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Foolproof Royal Icing That Hardens Perfectly for Smooth, Glossy Sugar Cookies

Close-up of a soft sugar cookie topped with a tall swirl of bright white, fluffy sugar cookie icing.
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Learn the simple method for making royal icing that hardens completely, giving your decorated sugar cookies a smooth, professional, and glossy finish suitable for stacking and gifting.

Ingredients

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  • 4 large egg whites
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed until foamy.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
  4. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing forms stiff, glossy peaks. This is your stiff consistency icing, perfect for outlining cookies.
  5. To achieve a thinner ‘flood’ consistency for filling in areas, add water, one teaspoon at a time, beating briefly after each addition until the icing flows slowly off the whisk in a ribbon that holds its shape for about 10 seconds.
  6. Use immediately for decorating. Let cookies dry uncovered at room temperature until the icing is completely hard, which may take several hours or overnight depending on humidity.

Notes

  • For coloring, use gel food coloring, as liquid colors can change the icing consistency.
  • If the icing becomes too thick while you are working, add water half a teaspoon at a time until the desired flow returns.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; do not refrigerate.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://seventhflavour.com/sugar-cookie-icing-recipe-hardens-perfectly/