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Hardening Vanilla Cookie Icing for Decorating

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This recipe yields a smooth, glossy vanilla icing that dries firm, perfect for outlining and flooding cut-out cookies for detailed decoration.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup meringue powder
  • 8 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder.
  2. Gradually add the warm water while mixing on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined.
  3. Add the vanilla extract.
  4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is very smooth and stiff peaks form. This is the stiff consistency for outlining.
  5. To achieve a thinner consistency for flooding, add water, one teaspoon at a time, beating well after each addition, until the icing flows slowly off a spoon in a ribbon that disappears back into the bowl within 10 seconds.
  6. Use immediately for decorating or cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent drying.

Notes

  • For outlining, use the stiff consistency. For flooding, thin the icing slightly with water.
  • If the icing becomes too thick while working, stir in a few drops of water.
  • This icing dries hard within a few hours, depending on humidity.
  • Store leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; re-whip before using.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/cookie-icing-recipe-hardens-smooth/