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Easy Sugar Cookie Icing That Dries Hard and Glossy

A plate of sugar cookies decorated with vibrant, multi-colored royal sugar cookie icing designs.
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Make smooth, glossy sugar cookie icing that hardens completely, perfect for detailed decorating and gifting. This easy recipe is beginner-friendly and tastes excellent.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder until fully combined.
  2. Add the warm water and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  3. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, then increase the speed to medium-high.
  4. Beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is very smooth, thick, and holds stiff peaks. This is your piping consistency.
  5. To achieve a thinner flood consistency, add water one teaspoon at a time until the icing slowly flows off a spoon in a ribbon that disappears into the surface after about 10 seconds.
  6. Divide the icing into separate bowls if you plan to color it. Add gel food coloring sparingly and mix until the color is uniform.
  7. Use the thick icing for outlining cookies, then let the outline set for 15 minutes.
  8. Use the thinner icing to flood the outlined areas. Gently tap the cookie sheet on the counter to release air bubbles and smooth the surface.
  9. Allow the cookies to dry uncovered at room temperature for several hours, or overnight, until the icing is completely hard to the touch.

Notes

  • For the best glossy finish, use clear vanilla extract instead of standard vanilla extract.
  • If the icing becomes too thick while decorating, mix in a few drops of water to restore the desired consistency.
  • This icing dries hard because of the meringue powder, which acts like egg whites without the food safety concerns.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; add a few drops of water when ready to use again.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/sugar-cookie-icing-recipe-dries-hard/