This is a large batch recipe and is enough to ice a few dozen cookies with many different colors. This Royal Icing dries to a soft bite. The amount of vanilla creates the perfect pairing for my Easy Vanilla-Almond Sugar Cookies.
This royal icing recipe is my favorite to use when decorating sugar cookies. I’m a huge fan of creating treats for every occasion, especially delicious ones like these.
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When I was a young girl, one of my most favorite things to do around the holidays was decorate sugar cookies with my grandma. She always made this so fun and was always baking yummy treats or making something amazing to eat.
Her easy no spread sugar cookie recipe is one that I have used my entire life. This classic sugar cookie recipe makes the most deliciously perfect cookies every time!
We need the best sugar cookies to use as a base when decorating with this easy sugar cookie icing! So start by baking a batch of these cookies and then lets get to the fun part, decorating!
Here are the supplies that I recommend when making this easy sugar cookie frosting.
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Royal Icing Supplies
KitchenAid Stand Mixer – a large mixing bowl and electric mixer works just as well however a KitchenAid stand mixer has been a staple in my kitchen for years.
Mixing bowls – these mixing bowls are my favorite because I can see what is happening while mixing and they are the perfect size for mixing the right amount of icing. they have lids for storage if you do not use it all.
Measuring cups and spoons –I am forever losing and buying new ones!
Cookie scribe set or toothpick. The set I linked is a great starter set with everything you need.
Icing bags and ties -these are the perfect size.
Small Piping Tips for Writing Detail Icing Tips for Cookie Decorating, Round Tips #2,#00,#0,#1,#3 for Cakes Cupcakes Cookies Royal Icing.
4 Simple Ingredients
Here are a few of the basic pantry staples that you will need to get started with this easy recipe.
3/4 C warm water
2 lb. Confectioners powdered sugar – also known as icing sugar.
1/3 C Meringue powder – My favorite is Wilton Meringue Powder, 1 Pound (Pack of 1)
2 Tbsp Clear vanilla extract – important if you want crisp, white icing. Gel food coloring
Tip: Gel food coloring works best for a vibrant color but liquid food coloring drops would work to tint the icing as well. Liquid coloring may dilute the icing so be sure to check the consistency and add more powdered sugar if needed. My favorite that looks amazing and doesn't have a bitter taste is
Food Coloring AmeriColor Student - Kit 12 .75 Ounce Bottles Soft Gel Paste Colors.
Instructions
1. In a stand mixer with K beater (or equivalent.. do not use a whisk attachment) warm water and meringue powder mix on low until frothy.
2. Once it is dissolved and frothy , add powdered sugar and continue to mix on low until it is all incorporated.
3. Add the vanilla and karo syrup, mix on low as it all comes together.
4. Turn up your mixer to med-high and beat until stiff peaks form.* Usually 4-6 minutes.
Notes
** Be sure not to overmix. Once you have stiff peaks to form, that's enough. If you overmix, the icing can become crumbly after it dries on your cookie.
*This is when I usually add some white gel color, this is because if you are using other dark colors, it will prevent bleeding.
DECORATE AND ENJOY!
When trying to mix the royal icing with gel colors, first add the color, then when you want to change the consistency, you will add a little water at a time until you get the consistency that you want. If it gets too thin it is very hard to decorate. I will do my next blog on the differences of the consistency of flood, pipe etc. This will also talk about adding coloring and creating the best colors.
Other blogs coming to show Royal Icing consistencies.
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