There’s a reason why icing is used on a number of desserts. When it comes to royal icing, the ingredients are far from fancy, yet lends a very sweet taste that is vastly different and simplistic than a traditional buttercream’s creamier, smoother texture.
Royal frosting is an uncomplicated mixture of pasteurized eggs, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar. More so than a thick, velvety texture, royal frosting is actually very firm when it’s dry and is better suited for decorations than the taste itself. You may have seen royal frosting here and there, as the glue for gingerbread houses and fancily decorated cookies, but the rich flavor especially stands out when topped on sugar cookies. With their buttery taste, sugar cookies and royal frosting are the perfect combination of soft and crunchy. Not a believer yet? Here is a yummy royal icing recipe to try and be amazed by.
What You’ll Need
- 3 ounces of egg whites
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 4 cups of confectioner’s sugar
What To Do
1. In a large stand or hand mixer, combine the egg whites and the vanilla, then beat until foamy.
2. Gradually add in the confectioner’s sugar, beating on low, until the mixture is shiny and smooth.
3. Next, turn your mixer on high, beating mixture until stiff peaks form (food coloring optional).
4. If you want to decorate your cookies, place the mixture into a pastry bag. Or you may use a gallon-sized storage bag with a clipped corner.
5. Once sugar cookies are completely cooled, create piping and decorations. Allow royal icing to set by placing cookies flat on a cookie sheet in the fridge until icing is firm. Or allow to sit on the kitchen counter, however, drying time for royal icing could take about 3 hours. Store cookies in an air-tight container and Keep away from direct heat and humidity.
6. Once iced cookies are complete, store the remaining icing in an air-tight storage container for later use. The icing will last up to 3 days.
Royal icing is a sumptuously sweet confection that works perfectly for when you’re in the mood for a specially decorated dessert, such as sugar cookies. However, you may enjoy its deliciousness on a variety of baked goods. Keep this recipe on hand for when you wish to turn your pastry decorating skills up a notch.
