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Royal Icing Recipe

Easy Royal Icing

This easy royal icing recipe is perfect for decorating cookies and gingerbread houses. It comes together in minutes without meringue powder or a mixer, making it great for quick and simple baking projects.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Course: Dessert, Holiday Treats
Cuisine: American
Calories: 733
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Royal Icing Ingredients
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar (180g)
  • 2 tablespoons warm water (30ml)
  • ½ tablespoon light corn syrup (10g)
  • ⅛ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Cups
  • Spatula or Spoon
  • Piping Bags

Method
 

  1. Place the powdered sugar in a medium mixing bowl and set it aside.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together warm water, light corn syrup, and vanilla or almond extract until the syrup is fully dissolved.
  3. Pour the liquid mixture into the powdered sugar and stir until the icing is completely smooth and combined.
  4. Check the consistency by letting some icing drizzle back into the bowl. It should disappear within about 12 seconds for flooding. Adjust with water or sugar as needed.
  5. Use immediately or store tightly covered for up to 1 day. Stir before using and re-check consistency.

Notes

This icing dries firm and shiny, making it perfect for decorating sugar cookies and gingerbread houses. You can adjust the thickness for outlining or detailed piping by adding or reducing water. Always use gel food coloring to avoid thinning the icing.