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Perfectly Flood Cookies With Royal Icing

Arina Habich
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Equipment

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

Royal icing

  • Start by sifting powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl. This crucial first step ensures that your icing is smooth and free from any lumps, providing the ideal starting point for exquisite cookie decoration.
  • Introduce your selected binding agent to the bowl, choosing either egg whites or meringue powder. If you're using egg whites, it's important they are at room temperature to optimize the icing's volume.
  • With your electric mixer or whisk on a low speed, start blending the powdered sugar and binding agent. Slowly add a small amount of water, just enough to begin amalgamating the ingredients into a cohesive mixture.
  • After the water has been thoroughly mixed in, it's time to add a touch of flavor. Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the icing. The vanilla enhances the icing's taste, adding a layer of complexity without altering its consistency.
  • Finally, transfer the colored royal icing to the piping bag and tie it off. Always make sure that the cookies are completely cool before piping the icing on top!

Flood Cookies With Royal Icing

  • By cutting a tiny opening at the tip of your piping bag, you create the perfect tool for applying a thicker icing with precision. This method allows for a more direct and controlled application, giving you the freedom to draw precise lines without the fuss of additional equipment.Fill your bag with a stiffer consistency of royal icing, designed to not only define the aesthetic borders of your cookie but also to act as a dam for the subsequent flood icing. Trace the edges of your cookies with this thicker icing, paying close attention to maintaining an even line that encircles the entire cookie.
  • After outlining, it's crucial to allow this initial layer to dry slightly. This drying period isn’t just about ensuring the icing sets; it’s about creating a solid barrier that will confidently hold the flood icing in place. The goal is to achieve a semi-hardened dam that is robust enough to contain the flood icing, preventing it from spilling over the edges and ensuring a neat, professional finish.
  • Once your outlines have dried and set, prepare for flooding by using a piping bag. While a larger nozzle can offer more control, cutting a small tip directly from the bag offers simplicity and ease. Aim for a cut that allows the icing to flow freely but with control, approximately 3-4mm in diameter.
  • Begin by gently squeezing the flood icing onto the center of the cookie. Gradually work your way toward the edges without surpassing the outline. The goal is to cover the cookie evenly, creating a smooth surface.
    After applying the icing, lightly tap the cookie on the table. This gentle motion helps the icing spread into a more even layer and encourages any air bubbles to rise to the surface, where they can be easily popped. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth finish without imperfections.
  • Use a scribe tool or a simple toothpick to guide the icing into any missed spots or edges, ensuring complete coverage. This tool is also perfect for popping any air bubbles that may have formed, ensuring a smooth finish.
  • While letting the cookies dry naturally, ideally overnight, is effective, incorporating the use of a heat gun can expediently set the icing, especially useful when time is of the essence. After applying the final touches, lightly pass a heat gun over the surface of the cookies. This gentle application of heat helps the icing to set quicker, reducing drying time significantly while still ensuring the icing hardens with a glossy, appealing finish. Remember, the key is to use the heat gun sparingly to avoid melting the icing or causing it to crack.
    This method not only accelerates the drying process but also enhances the overall appearance of your cookies, making them ready for further decoration or to be admired and enjoyed sooner. Whether you're prepping for an event or simply eager to admire your handiwork, this added step ensures your cookies are display-ready, boasting a hard, shiny icing surface that's as visually stunning as it is delicious.

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