Royal icing buttercream recipe for cakes and cookies has simple ingredients. And it is perfect for desserts from cut-out sugar cookies to gingerbread cookies and your favorite cake decorating. It is easy to make, and you can build upon the layers to make different icing consistencies when applying it. It is smooth and the coloring comes out a pure white icing.
This icing is popular at any time. But may be particularly popular at times of cookie making and gingerbread house making. Perhaps for frosted sugar cookies at Christmas and Easter. Or for decorating gingerbread houses at Christmas.
A little bit of this amazing icing can go a long way. But if you prefer, you can add more for the perfect icing amount you would like. Simply use a piping bag, spoon or butter knife to apply it.
If you would like another color rather than white frosting, you can try using gel food coloring. This can really come in handy when decorating some of your more festive cookies.
Do you need a cookie recipe to pair with this wonderful icing? Or perhaps would like to try a new one? This easy royal icing recipe pairs well with this copycat Potbelly sugar cookie recipe. For more icing recipes, please see below under related.
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Ingredients for royal icing buttercream recipe for cakes and cookies.
These simple ingredients make an amazing royal buttercream icing. And rather than using meringue powder, I chose to use egg whites.
- powdered confectioner's sugar
- unsalted butter
- pure vanilla extract
- egg whites
- water
- salt
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for royal icing buttercream recipe.
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients for your icing and whisk together well.
2. Step 2: Using a hand mixer on low speed, mix ingredients together. I mixed for seven minutes, giving me the perfect consistency. You may want to adjust the time for the consistency you would like.
- Step 3: This is the finished white icing of the royal icing buttercream. You can spoon it into a piping bag or spoon it directly onto your baked good. A butter knife is an option for spreading it.
- Step 4: Now it is time to ice. I waited 2-3 minutes before doing so. Choose the right consistency you would prefer for your cutout cookies or other baked goods. This cookie has thicker icing on it.
Hint: The icing may run down the sides of your baked good. If that is not the effect you are looking for, perhaps leave a little bit of room by the edge when icing.
Here are some ideas to help soften butter.
- You can set your butter out to make room temperature butter. Try about thirty minutes before you want to use it.
- Microwave it at about fifteen to twenty second intervals.
Frugal Tip
I do not use a stand mixer for this recipe. Instead, I use a handheld electric mixer. And you can still get the consistency of your royal icing you like.
Variations
- Piping bag - for more of a detailed design, try using a piping bag with a small piping tip.
- Gingerbread houses - another idea to use this icing for, is to decorate gingerbread houses with. And the piping bag works nicely too for this.
For another buttercream icing, check out this recipe. It is for pumpkin bars. But if you would prefer just the icing, it is included in the post.
Equipment
- large bowl
- hand mixer
- whisk
- spoon
- piping bag
- airtight container
Storing your royal icing buttercream.
If you have leftover royal icing, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It will need to be stirred up really well when using it again. And in my experience, it will be thinner icing when decorating.
FAQ
To harden buttercream icing, place it in the refrigerator for about an hour.
Related
Looking for recipes that include icing? Try these:
Maple cinnamon iced cupcakes with vanilla frosting.
Copycat Cinnabon cake in the oven recipe with a twist.
Royal Icing Buttercream Recipe for Cakes and Cookies
Equipment
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 hand mixer
- 1 Whisk
- 1 spoon
- 1 piping bag optional
- 1 Airtight container
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients for your icing and whisk together well.
- Using a hand mixer on low speed, mix ingredients together. I mixed for seven minutes, giving me the perfect consistency.
- Now you have finished making the white icing of the royal icing buttercream. You can spoon it into a piping bag or spoon it directly onto your baked good.
- Now it is time to ice. I waited 2-3 minutes before doing so. Choose the right consistency you would prefer for your cutout cookies or other baked goods.
Marie-Pierre says
I love a sweet frosting! As a kid, I would lick it off the cake/cookies!
Amy says
I love frosting too! And too cute.
Kelly says
Sounds like a delicious icing. thx for sharing the recipe.
Amy says
Thank you!