Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens Recipe

Introduction

This sugar cookie icing recipe creates a smooth, glossy finish that hardens perfectly, making your decorated cookies look professional and beautiful. It’s simple to prepare and can be easily colored to match any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 5 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder thoroughly using a whisk or spoon to eliminate any lumps.
2. Step 2: Gradually add the water to the dry mixture, mixing with a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed to incorporate. Increase the speed to medium until the icing becomes smooth and glossy.
3. Step 3: If desired, add vanilla extract for flavor and mix until well incorporated.
4. Step 4: If you want to color your icing, divide it into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each, mixing until you achieve your desired color.
5. Step 5: Once the icing is mixed and colored, place it in a piping bag or use a clean bottle with a nozzle for easy application.
6. Step 6: Pipe the icing onto cooled sugar cookies, outlining the edges first and then filling in the center. Use a toothpick to help spread the icing if necessary.
7. Step 7: Allow the cookies to dry at room temperature for at least 8 hours or until the icing is completely hardened before storing them.

Tips & Variations

• For more vibrant colors, use gel-based food coloring instead of liquid to avoid thinning the icing.
• If the icing thickens too much before use, add a few drops of water to reach the desired consistency.
• Store any unused plain royal icing in an airtight container in the fridge, then whisk well before using again.

Storage

Once decorated and fully hardened, store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to one week. Avoid refrigerating as this can cause moisture and soften the hardened icing. To refresh the icing’s shine, let the cookies sit uncovered for a few hours before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh egg whites instead of meringue powder?

While fresh egg whites can sometimes be used, meringue powder is preferred for safety and consistency, as it is pasteurized and helps achieve a stable icing that hardens well.

How do I thin the icing if it’s too thick?

Add water very gradually, a few drops at a time, and mix thoroughly until the icing reaches the smooth, pipeable consistency you desire.

Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens Recipe

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4.6 from 63 reviews

This classic sugar cookie icing recipe creates a smooth, glossy, and hardening icing perfect for decorating sugar cookies. Made with powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water, this royal icing hardens beautifully after drying for several hours, making it ideal for detailed cookie decoration. Optional vanilla extract adds extra flavor, and food coloring can be used to customize the icing for any occasion.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: Enough icing to decorate about 24 medium sugar cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 5 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Optional

• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder using a whisk or spoon, ensuring there are no lumps in the mixture.
2. Add water gradually: Slowly add the water to the dry ingredients while mixing with a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed. Increase the speed to medium and continue mixing until the icing becomes smooth and glossy.
3. Add vanilla extract: For enhanced flavor, add the vanilla extract to the mixture and mix well to incorporate it evenly throughout the icing.
4. Color the icing: If desired, divide the icing into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl. Mix until you achieve your preferred colors.
5. Prepare for piping: Transfer the icing into piping bags or clean bottles with nozzles to allow for precise application onto cookies.
6. Decorate cookies: Pipe the icing onto cooled sugar cookies by outlining the edges first, then fill in the center. Use a toothpick if needed to help spread the icing evenly.
7. Dry the icing: Let the decorated cookies sit at room temperature for at least 8 hours or until the icing is completely hardened before storing or serving.

Notes

• Ensure cookies are completely cooled before applying icing to prevent melting.
• The drying time can vary depending on humidity; allow more time in humid conditions.
• Meringue powder helps create stiff peaks and a durable hard finish; do not substitute with other ingredients.
• Store leftover icing in an airtight container and use within 2 days to maintain freshness.
• Use a toothpick or scribe tool to fix any mistakes before the icing hardens.
• Add food coloring gradually to achieve the exact shade desired as colors can intensify when dried.

Keywords: sugar cookie icing, royal icing, cookie decoration, hardening icing, meringue powder icing