Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens Recipe
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.
- 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
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Add vanilla extract: For enhanced flavor, add the vanilla extract to the mixture and mix well to incorporate it evenly throughout the icing.
- 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.
- Prepare for piping: Transfer the icing into piping bags or clean bottles with nozzles to allow for precise application onto cookies.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/sugar-cookie-icing-that-hardens-recipe/
