Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp meringue powder
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and cream of tartar.
- Add the warm water and beat on low speed until the icing is smooth and glossy, about 7-10 minutes.
- If you want to add color, divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each one.
- Transfer the icing to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small hole cut out of the corner.
- Use the icing to decorate your gingerbread house, making sure to let each layer dry before adding another.
- Enjoy your beautifully decorated gingerbread house!
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 tbsp
Calories: 26
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 3mg
Total Carbohydrates: 6g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 0g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Mixer
- Piping bag or ziplock bag
Serving Suggestions
This royal icing is perfect for decorating gingerbread houses, cookies, and cakes.
Variations
You can add different flavors to the icing by using flavored extracts such as peppermint, almond, or vanilla.
Substitutions
- You can use egg whites instead of meringue powder, but it will not be as stable and may not hold up as well.
- You can substitute lemon juice or vinegar for cream of tartar.
Storage
Store leftover icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips
- Make sure all of your utensils and bowls are completely clean and free of grease to ensure the icing sets properly.
- Make sure your icing is thick enough to hold up your decorations, but not so thick that it is difficult to pipe.
- If your icing is too thick, you can add more warm water 1 tsp at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Notes
This recipe makes enough icing for one gingerbread house.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use this icing to glue my gingerbread house together?
- Yes, this icing is perfect for holding your gingerbread house together.
- Can I make this icing ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make this icing up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Can I freeze this icing?
- No, this icing does not freeze well.
Overall, making royal icing for gingerbread houses is a fun and delicious activity for the whole family. This recipe is easy to follow and produces a smooth and glossy icing that is perfect for decorating. Whether you’re making a gingerbread house, cookies, or cakes, this royal icing recipe is sure to impress. So why not give it a try for yourself and see how delicious and fun it can be?