How to Decorate Snowflake Cookies with Royal Icing
Learn how to decorate snowflake cookies with royal icing using this easy step-by-step method. With just two icing consistencies and a few tools, you'll create elegant winter cookies perfect for gifting or holiday trays.
Equipment
Ingredients
Royal icing
- 1 lb Confectioner’s Sugar
- 3 tablespoon Meringue Powder or 2 egg whites
- 6 tablespoon Warm Water
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Making royal icing
- Before you start, measure out all your ingredients and have your equipment ready. This will make the process smoother and prevent any mid-recipe scrambling. If you are using egg whites, ensure they are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Start by whisking together the confectioners’ sugar and either meringue powder or 2 large egg whites in a large glass mixing bowl. If you are using egg whites, ensure they are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, while whisking gently to avoid creating too many air bubbles.Mix in the vanilla extract, and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and shiny.If using egg whites, you may need to adjust the consistency by adding more confectioners’ sugar as needed. The icing should hold firm peaks and have a thick, pipeable texture.
- Switch to a silicone spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Transfer the icing to a thin, disposable piping bag. Only fill the bag about one-third full to keep it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Bring the bag to a vertical position and give it a gentle shake to help the icing settle and push out air bubbles. Twist the top tightly and tie a knot to secure the bag—no fancy clips or tools needed!
Decorating cookies
- Have your cookies ready—I like to bake and freeze mine ahead of time to save effort on decorating day.
- Set up your decorating station with everything you need close by. I pour sugar sprinkles into a shallow dish (an 8x8 glass baking dish works well), and I place parchment paper underneath the piping bag to catch any drips.Snip a small opening at the tip of your piping bag.
- Pipe snowflake patterns or starburst lines directly onto the cookie with royal icing.Immediately press the cookie, icing-side down, into the sugar crystals before the icing begins to set.
- Let decorated cookies dry undisturbed for 4 to 6 hours. The more icing you use, the longer the drying time will be.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!