Skip to main content

Royal Icing

If not using immediately, transfer to an airtight container (icing hardens quickly when exposed to air), and store at room temperature for up to one week. Beat with a rubber spatula before using.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes about 2 1/2 cups

Ingredients

1 pound confectioners’ sugar
5 tablespoons meringue powder
Liquid or gel-paste food coloring (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine sugar, meringue powder, and a scant 1/2 cup water on low speed. Beat until mixture is fluffy yet dense, 7 to 8 minutes.

    Step 2

    To thin the icing for flooding (filling in areas with a thin layer of icing), stir in additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time. Test the consistency by lifting a spoonful of icing and letting it drip back into the bowl; a ribbon should remain on the surface for 5 to 7 seconds.

    Step 3

    To tint icing, dip a toothpick or wooden skewer into food coloring, and gradually mix it in until the desired shade is reached.

Reprinted with permission from Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook by Martha Stewart. © 2005 Clarkson Potter
Read More
Add a bag of potato chips and you've got yourself a party.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
We’ve got baked cheddar and leek pasta, maple-mustard sheet-pan salmon, and a strawberry shortcake roll.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
An Australian icon—with coconut, chocolate, and raspberry—streamlined in a standard muffin pan.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.