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sugar cookie icing that hardens

Stunning sugar cookie icing that hardens: 5 tips


  • Author: Lina Kohn
  • Total Time: 10 minutes plus drying time
  • Yield: Enough icing for 3-4 dozen medium cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This recipe gives you a simple, reliable sugar cookie icing that dries completely hard, perfect for decorated cutouts you need to stack or gift. You will achieve a smooth, glossy finish.


Ingredients

  • Powdered Sugar: 4 cups
  • Meringue Powder: 3 tablespoons
  • Water (warm): 6-8 tablespoons
  • Vanilla Extract (optional): 1 teaspoon


Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder until fully combined.
  2. Gradually add the warm water, starting with 6 tablespoons, while mixing on low speed with an electric mixer.
  3. Once the dry ingredients are mostly incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high. Beat for 3-5 minutes until the icing is smooth, glossy, and holds stiff peaks.
  4. If the icing seems too thick to pipe, add the remaining water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency for outlining or flooding.
  5. If using, mix in the vanilla extract.
  6. Use immediately to decorate your cooled sugar cookies. For best results, apply a thin layer for quick drying.
  7. Allow the iced cookies to dry completely at room temperature, uncovered, for several hours until the surface is hard to the touch.

Notes

  • Ensure your cookies are completely cool before icing them. Warm cookies will melt the icing.
  • For outlining, use a slightly thicker consistency (less water). For flooding, use a thinner consistency.
  • If you do not have meringue powder, you can substitute it with 2 large egg whites, but drying time may increase slightly.
  • Store finished, hardened cookies in an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Baking Decoration
  • Method: Mixing/Whisking
  • Cuisine: American/Italian Influence

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup icing
  • Calories: Approx. 180
  • Sugar: Approx. 45g
  • Sodium: Approx. 10mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: Approx. 46g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: Approx. 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg