Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
This Royal Frosting is a sweet, versatile frosting ideal for cookie decorating and gingerbread house construction. Its firm setting properties and smooth consistency make it perfect for detailed and creative designs, turning simple baked goods into edible works of art.
This is a great tool in in your baking arsenal, especially during the holiday season. You will appreciate the reliability for holding gingerbread houses together and its ease for use for intricate cookie decorations. This recipe is perfect for creativity in baking, allowing decorators of all levels to achieve professional-looking results.
The Chemistry of Royal Frosting
It’s key ingredient is meringue powder, which contains dried egg whites and stabilizers. When mixed with powdered sugar and water, it creates a frosting that hardens to a smooth, glossy finish. This transformation is due to the proteins in the meringue powder forming a stable structure when whipped, allowing the frosting to set firmly upon drying.
Why use meringue powder in royal frosting?
Meringue powder replaces raw egg whites, providing stability and a glossy finish without the risk of raw eggs. You do not want to use egg white powder to substitute meringue powder. This is because meringue powder also has add stabilizers that helps you make a no fail royal frosting.
How long does it take for royal frosting to set?
It typically takes about 2 hours to set on cookies. Using a fan can speed up this process for gingerbread houses. When I am setting the houses I bring in a standing fan and point it towards the house as I hold each piece together with the royal frosting acting as the glue. Once it feels sturdy enough, I gently let go and move onto the next piece.
Can you color it?
Yes, you can add food coloring to achieve various colors for detailed designs.
How do you store it?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it hardens, re-whip to restore consistency.
How long do you whip royal frosting?
When you are making royal frosting, it is important to whip all the ingredients together for 2 full minutes. This incorporates little air bubbles into the frosting and ensures that the frosting is sturdy and dries properly to a harden sugar.
What is in Royal Frosting?
Powdered Sugar
Is just finely ground granulated sugar. It will absorb moisture in your batter or dough. It dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth texture without grittiness. Because it is so fine, it can melt quickly in the oven and spread cookies out more. Powdered sugar also stabilizes and thickens the frosting, thanks to the small amount of cornstarch it contains.
Meringue Powder
Provides structure and stability, allowing the frosting to set firmly.
Vanilla Extract
When using pure vanilla extract, as opposed to imitation flavoring, it will add the deep rich flavor that everybody wants in a treat.
Water
Adjusts consistency for piping.
Making Ahead
It can be made a day in advance. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out, and re-whip if necessary before use.
Recommended Products
Why make royal frosting?
This is perfect for holiday cookie decorating, gingerbread house making, or any occasion where creative and detailed frosting is desired.
Recipes You May Love
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus get great new recipes from us every week!
Royal Frosting
Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp meringue powder
- 8 tbsp water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a standing mixer with the whisk attachment add mix the powdered sugar, meringue powder and 4 tbsp of water
- Add the vanilla extract and stir until combined
- Slowly add the remaining 4 tbsp of water while the mixer is on low
- Once all the ingredients are added, turn the mixer on high and beat for 2 minutes
- Once done, add frosting to a piping bag and get decorating
- It will take about 2 hours for the frosting to set on cookies, if using on a gingerbread house, it is helpful to have a fan on close by while building the house. The fan will help set the frosting up a bit quicker & glue your house together.
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
I’d love to see it! Follow @_mrs.madi_ on Instagram and tag your photos with #mrsmadi.
