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You are here: Home / Recipes / Cake and Cookie Decorating / Easy Royal Icing Recipe

Easy Royal Icing Recipe

October 23, 2020 Last updated on October 23, 2025 By Manu Leave a Comment

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Transform your cookies into eye-catching treats with this easy Royal Icing recipe. With three simple ingredients and a splash of colour, it’s ideal for outlining and flooding cookies for any occasion.

Chocolate cookies decorated with smooth royal icing shaped like Miffy faces.

Royal icing has been part of my kitchen for years. It’s the glaze that gives biscuits and cakes a smooth, glossy finish and makes them look neatly decorated. I often make it when my girls and I decorate biscuits together. The colours, laughter, and sugar everywhere always make it worth the cleanup.

It’s the same icing I use for my Baby Shower Shortbread Cookies. This version is made with egg whites, a simple choice that saves you from an extra trip to the shops. It dries firm, keeps its shape, and gives every biscuit a clean, smooth coating.

Why It’s a Must for Any Home Baker

  • Uses ingredients already found in most kitchens so there’s no need for special shopping trips.
  • Pairs perfectly with biscuits, cupcakes, and cakes, and gives them extra sweetness and texture.
  • Allows control over consistency for piping outlining or flooding designs.

Key Ingredients for Royal Icing

Ingredients for royal icing on the counter.

Egg White

Acts as the base of the icing and helps it set firm once dry. It gives the mixture structure and a naturally glossy finish without needing meringue powder.

Icing Sugar

Provides sweetness and thickness. Sifting it first gives a smoother texture, making the icing easy to whip and spread evenly.

Lemon Juice

Adds a light citrus flavour while helping stabilise the egg white. It also keeps the icing bright and fresh-looking.

Find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Royal Icing

Step 1: Lightly beat the egg white.

Step 2: Add the icing sugar and whip it with an electric hand mixer until smooth and pearl-like.

Homemade royal icing being mixed with a spoon to a smooth consistency.

Step 3: Add the lemon juice and keep whipping until completely incorporated.

Baby shower cookies decorated with royal icing shaped like bottles, ducks and onesies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make royal icing without meringue powder?

Yes. This recipe uses fresh egg whites instead of meringue powder. It is the traditional method and gives the same smooth, glossy finish without needing any special ingredients.

How long does royal icing take to dry?

Drying time depends on the thickness and humidity. Thin layers usually dry in 2 to 3 hours. Thicker decorations can take up to 6 hours or overnight to set completely.

Can I colour royal icing?

Yes. Both gel and liquid food colourings work well. Gel colouring is stronger so you can use less and it will not thin the icing.

How can I make sure my royal icing stays shiny?

For a glossy finish, let the icing dry in a cool and dry area. If your kitchen is humid, place the decorated biscuits in front of a fan to help them set faster. Mix the icing gently to avoid adding too much air, which can make the surface dull.

Extra Help from the Kitchen

Use a Clean, Dry Bowl – Any trace of grease or moisture can prevent the icing from whipping properly. Make sure all equipment is spotless before you start.

Separate the Eggs While Cold – Cold eggs are easier to separate, but egg whites whip better when closer to room temperature. Separate them in advance if you can.

Whip at a Steady Speed – Start on low speed to let the proteins in the egg whites relax, then increase slightly for better volume and elasticity.

Adjust Consistency Carefully – If the icing begins to harden, stir in a drop or two of water until smooth again. Be cautious not to thin it too much or it may form air bubbles.

Keep Icing Covered Between Uses – Royal icing dries fast. Place a damp cloth over the bowl while you work to stop the surface from forming a crust.

Variations and Twists

Add Lemon Zest for a Fresh Flavour – Finely grate lemon zest into the icing for extra brightness and a hint of citrus.

Make Chocolate Royal Icing – Mix in 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to create a soft chocolate version perfect for biscuits and cakes.

Try Almond-Flavoured Icing – Add a few drops of almond extract for a subtle nutty twist that pairs well with shortbread or butter biscuits.

Tint with Gel Colours – Divide the icing into bowls and tint each one with different gel colours for fun, vibrant designs.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store any leftover royal icing in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to use, bring it to room temperature and stir gently to restore its smooth texture.

Decorated biscuits can be stored at room temperature in a single layer inside an airtight container for up to 1 week. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from humidity to maintain the icing’s firm finish.

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of royal icing can separate once thawed.

Delicious Ways to Use Royal Icing

  • Snow Cupcakes
  • Cassata Siciliana
  • Peppa Pig Chocolate Cookies
  • Christmas Tree Ornament Sugar Cookies
  • Flounder Shortbread Cookie Pops
Chocolate cookies decorated with smooth royal icing shaped like Miffy faces.
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Easy Royal Icing Recipe

Transform your cookies into eye-catching treats with this easy Royal Icing recipe. With three simple ingredients and a splash of colour, it’s ideal for outlining and flooding cookies for any occasion.

Course: Frosting, icing
Cuisine: International
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Drying Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 1 ½ cups of icing

Ingredients

  • 1 egg white
  • 300 g – 10.5 oz icing sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Lightly beat the egg white.
  2. Add the icing sugar and whip it with an electric hand mixer until smooth and pearl-like.
  3. Add the lemon juice and keep whipping until completely incorporated.

Recipe Notes

  • To thin it down a little for flooding cookies, add a small amount of water, about 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
  • If you want a coloured icing, add a few drops of liquid food colouring.
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Related Posts:

  • Christmas Tree Cupcakes
  • MIFFY CHOCOLATE COOKIES
  • Cassata Siciliana
  • Peppa Pig Chocolate Cookies
  • Easter 2020 Recipe Round Up

Filed Under: Cake and Cookie Decorating, Dairy-free, Gluten Free, Uncategorized, Vegan Tagged With: Cake and Cookie Decorating, frosting, homemade royal icing, icing, royal icing

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Hi! I am Manu, the author of Manu's Menu. I was born and brought up in Italy and my blog can show you how to create authentic Italian food in your own home! Read More…

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Easy Royal Icing recipe pin showing Miffy cookies and baby shower cookies decorated with smooth royal icing.

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