Royal Icing Cookies Recipe

Royal icing cookies are the epitome of festive baking. These sugar cookies are soft yet sturdy, making them perfect for intricate decorations. Whether for holidays, birthdays, or weddings, these cookies bring artistry to the table while tasting absolutely delightful. This guide will walk you through creating flawless cookies with professional-level icing designs.

What Are Royal Icing Cookies?

Royal icing cookies are buttery sugar cookies topped with a smooth, glossy icing that hardens as it dries. The cookies serve as a canvas for detailed decorations, from simple shapes to elaborate designs. The combination of crisp edges, soft centers, and melt-in-your-mouth icing makes them a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Customizable shapes and designs make these cookies ideal for all celebrations.
• Easy to Work With: The dough is sturdy yet easy to roll and cut, and the icing is beginner-friendly.
• Great for Gifting: The firm icing ensures cookies stay beautiful and intact during transport.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the cookies and decorate them in stages to fit your schedule.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Royal Icing

• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tbsp meringue powder
• 5-6 tbsp water (adjust for consistency)
• Gel food coloring

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters to create desired shapes.
3. Transfer shapes to the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch of space between cookies.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Royal Icing

1. In a mixing bowl, beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 5 tablespoons of water on medium speed until stiff peaks form (about 5 minutes).
2. Adjust consistency by adding water 1 teaspoon at a time. For outlining, the icing should be toothpaste-thick; for flooding, it should be honey-thick.
3. Divide the icing into small bowls and tint with gel food coloring. Cover each bowl with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent drying.

Decorating the Cookies

1. Use thick royal icing to pipe an outline around the edges of each cookie.
2. Flood the interior with thinner icing, using a toothpick to spread it evenly.
3. Create designs by layering colors or adding wet-on-wet details, like swirls or dots.
4. Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely, for 4-8 hours, before stacking or packaging.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Gifting: Package in decorative tins or cellophane bags.
• Dessert Table: Arrange cookies in tiers for a stunning display.
• Pairings: Serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store fully dried cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze undecorated cookies in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
• Avoid freezing decorated cookies, as the icing may crack.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
• Vegan-Friendly: Replace butter with vegan butter and use aquafaba (chickpea brine) instead of egg in the cookies. For the icing, use aquafaba in place of meringue powder.
• Flavor Twists: Experiment with lemon, orange, or peppermint extracts for a festive flair.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out.

Q: How do I prevent royal icing from drying out while decorating?
A: Cover icing bowls with plastic wrap touching the surface, and keep piping bags sealed when not in use.

Q: Why is my icing too runny or too stiff?
A: Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for stiffness or a few drops of water to thin it out.

These royal icing cookies are a true labor of love, perfect for creating edible works of art. With a little practice, you’ll master the art of decorating and wow everyone with your creations. Give this recipe a try and share your designs—we’d love to see them!

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