There’s something irresistibly charming about a timeless royal icing recipe—pure, elegant, and versatile enough to finish everything from sugar cutouts to delicate cookie art. But even better than that? The Best Royal Icing Recipe (That Actually Works Everytime). This royal icing recipe with a simple blend of meringue powder, confectioners’ sugar, and water creates a smooth, glossy icing that holds its shape beautifully and dries to a graceful satin finish—just like the delicate trims on vintage china.
What Is Royal Icing?
Royal icing is a smooth icing made from powdered sugar and egg whites (or meringue powder) that dries firm, making it ideal for decorating cookies and gingerbread.
Classic Royal Icing Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups confectioners sugar (sifted)
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 9–10 Tablespoons room temp water
- Gel food coloring for dying (optional)
Instructions
- Using a hand or stand mixer (with whisk attachment) beat all ingredients together on high speed for about 5-7 minutes. When lifting the mixer out the icing should drizzle down in about 10 seconds. If your consistency is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time smooth it out. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, add a little more sifted confectioners’ sugar.
NOTE: Royal icing takes about 2 hours to set completely. If you need it to dry faster, place cookies in the refrigerator to help speed up the process.
Why This Royal Icing Recipe Works
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The perfect egg white to sugar ratio, so it works every time
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Royal icing that sets firm but is not not brittle
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Recipe that’s easy to adjust for piping vs flooding
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Best of all, no specialty ingredients required
Decorating Notes
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Let your iced cookies dry for several hours or overnight for the icing to fully set.
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Add a drop or two of gel food coloring to tint the icing to soft, vintage-inspired hues.
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For a festive look, sprinkle with sanding sugar before the icing sets.
Why We Love This Royal Icing
It’s a no-fuss recipe with just a few pantry staples, yet it transforms each cookie into a work of art. I find a royal icing recipe with meringue powder is the most classic variation of the recipe. I’ve used this icing for everything from Christmas sugar cookies to sweet monograms on birthday treats—each one telling its own little story in sugar and flour. I personally tend to love our Glaze Icing Recipe for a more simple, effortless approach but love to break out the Royal Icing recipe for these special projects.
Royal Icing Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 4 cups confectioners sugar (sifted)
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 9–10 Tablespoons room temp water
- Gel food coloring for dying (optional)
Instructions
- Using a hand or stand mixer (with whisk attachment) beat all ingredients together on high speed for about 5-7 minutes. When lifting the mixer out the icing should drizzle down in about 10 seconds. If your consistency is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time smooth it out. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, add a little more sifted confectioners’ sugar.
NOTE: Royal icing takes about 2 hours to set completely. If you need it to dry faster, place cookies in the refrigerator to help speed up the process.
Serve It With Heart
Share your iced cookies with neighbors, friends, or tucked into a handmade box for gifting. Serve on your favorite vintage plate, with a cup of tea and a quiet moment to enjoy the sweetness of tradition.
More Classic Frosting & Icing Recipes You’ll Love
Can you make royal icing ahead of time?
Yes — store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How long does royal icing take to dry?
Typically 1–2 hours to crust and 6–8 hours to fully set.
Can I use meringue powder instead of egg whites?
Yes — both work well, depending on preference.
I’d love to see what you created with your Royal Icing!
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