Royal Icing

Dany Ludvíková
Dec 1, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jan 10

Royal icing is one of those essentials that makes its way into most households the minute the Christmas season knocks on the door. It’s simple, versatile, and has the magical ability to bring so much joy—whether you’re decorating gingerbreads, crafting delicate designs, or creating edible holiday ornaments.

Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for royal icing, along with tips for making it truly your own. From adding a touch of lemon for a subtle zing to exploring natural colouring options like beetroot powder, this post will help you perfect your icing game. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

1 medium egg white (approximately 30 ml)
150 g powdered sugar (sifted for smoothness)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Optional for colouring:

Natural beetroot powder for pink
Spirulina powder for green
Turmeric for yellow
Butterfly pea flower powder or steeped tea for blue
Carrot powder for orange

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Combine the sifted powdered sugar and egg whites in a large mixing bowl.
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture on low speed for 1-2 minutes until it comes together.
Increase the speed to medium and beat for about 5-6 minutes until the icing is thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks.

Adjusting Consistency

For outlining cookies or creating detailed designs, the icing should be thick. If it’s too stiff, add a few drops of lemon juice or a small amount of egg white, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps maintain the icing’s structure without making it too wet.

Note: While some recipes suggest using water to adjust the consistency, it can make the icing too runny and affect its ability to dry properly, so it’s best to avoid water for this purpose.

For flooding cookies (covering the surface with a smooth layer of icing), carefully thin the icing. Gradually add a bit more egg whites or lemon juice, mixing slowly until the icing flows easily but is still thick enough to hold its shape. A good test is to drag a spoon through the icing—it should settle back into a smooth surface within a few seconds.

Add Flavor and Color

Mix in the lemon juice for a bright, refreshing flavour.
To colour your icing naturally, sift your chosen powder (e.g., beetroot, spirulina) to remove lumps and mix it into a small portion of the icing until you achieve the desired shade.
Add a touch of vanilla extract for a more traditional flavour.

Storage

Royal icing dries out quickly. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap when not in use.
Leftover icing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, bring it to room temperature and give it a good stir.

Practical tips:

Adding Lemon Juice

A little lemon juice enhances the flavour and helps stabilize the icing, making it easier to work with.

Natural Coloring

Natural powders are a fantastic option for vibrant colours without artificial dyes. However, some may slightly alter the flavour, so adjust your recipe as needed.

Piping Precision

To avoid air bubbles, mix your icing slowly and allow it to rest for a few minutes before transferring it to piping bags.

Drying and Setting

Decorated cookies should be left at room temperature to dry completely, which can take 4-12 hours, depending on humidity. Once dry, the icing hardens beautifully and can be stacked or packaged without smudging.

Bonus Tip: Gingerbread Christmas Tree

A gingerbread Christmas tree is a staple on our festive table. Both my mom and I have our own ways of making them, and here’s how:

Mom’s Method:

She cuts out stars ranging from the smallest to the largest size.
After baking, she stacks them, gluing each layer together with royal icing, and decorates with drips of icing for a snowy look.

My Method:

I cut out tree shapes—each tree needs two pieces, one with a notch at the top and the other with a notch at the bottom.
Once baked, the pieces are assembled by sliding one into the other. I use a bit of royal icing to hold them together for added stability.
Finally, I decorate with icing drips, add Christmas ornaments, or dust them with some gold powder.

Happy decorating! 🎄