Best Versatile Royal Icing Recipes

ROYAL ICING FOR SUGAR COOKIES

Steps:

• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine sugar and meringue powder. Mixing on low speed, add a scant 1/2 cup water. For a thinner consistency, usually used for flooding, add more water. A thicker consistency is generally used for outlining and adding details. Mix until icing holds a ribbonlike trail on the surface of the mixture for 5 seconds when you raise the paddle.

VERSATILE ROYAL ICING

Steps:

• Put sugar, meringue powder, and 3 tablespoons water into mixer bowl; mix on low speed until combined. Use immediately, or refrigerate airtight up to 1 week; bring to room temperature, and stir before using.

EASY ROYAL ICING

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Beat on high speed with a portable mixer for 10-12 minutes or on low speed with a stand mixer for 7-10 minutes or until peaks form.

ROYAL ICING WITH EGG WHITES

Steps:

• Place egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat using the whisk attachment until frothy. Add 1/4 cup of the sugar and mix well. Gradually add the remaining 3 3/4 cups sugar, beating on low speed and scraping down the sides.
• Increase the speed to high and continue to beat the mixture until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes. At this stage, the icing will be very thick. Add water, a few drops at a time, to thin it to the consistency appropriate for the kind of decorating you are doing. As a rule, the icing should be stiffer for lettering, more malleable for making petals -- but you will need to experiment to find the consistency that works best for you. Store icing at room temperature in an airtight glass or metal container. It should be used within two days.

ROYAL ICING

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, water, meringue powder and cream of tartar; beat on low speed just until combined. Beat on high for 4-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Tint with food coloring if desired. Keep unused icing covered at all times with a damp cloth. If necessary, beat again on high speed to restore texture., To decorate, place icing in a pastry bag. For border decorations and dots, use a #3 round pastry tip. For small detailed decorations, use a #1 or #2 round pastry tip.