This Eggless Royal Icing is perfect for decorating cookies! With a subtle lemony taste, it’s great for anything from sugar cookies to drawing decorative shapes or gluing together a gingerbread house. It hardens when it dries, so decorations stay in place.
Step By Step Recipe Photo Tutorial
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Mix the confectioner’s sugar and water in a glass bowl until there are no lumps. Note: You can make this icing by hand but using an electric mixer or a stand mixer makes the mixing process a breeze.
- Add light corn syrup and mix until incorporated.
- Stir in lemon juice and mix until incorporated.
- Use the white icing as it is or divide it into several bowls and add gel food coloring.
Tips & Tricks to Make Eggless Royal Icing
- The consistency of this icing is best for detail work, such as piping border, drawing decorative shapes, or gluing together a gingerbread house. To thin icing for flooding a cookie, add more water, about one teaspoon at a time, stirring slowly. Be careful not to stir vigorously, or you will add air to the icing, and it won’t flood evenly.
- If you need thicker icing, mix in a little more confectioner’s sugar.
- If you need thinner icing, add a few more drops of water.
- The lemon juice helps harden the icing, but you could substitute vanilla extract if you prefer for flavor purposes.
- Keep all utensils completely grease-free.
- To add color, divide royal icing among several small bowls and stir in a few drops of gel paste.
Easy Royal Icing Recipe – Perfect for Gingerbread Houses and more
Can you use regular frosting for gingerbread houses?
No, you cannot use regular frosting for gingerbread houses. Gingerbread houses require a specific type of icing that is made from confectioners sugar, egg whites, and cream of tartar. This icing is different from regular frosting because it is much thicker and more stable.
What is a substitute for icing sugar?
You can replace icing sugar with lump sugar, stevia, agave syrup, sweeteners, or honey. Your choice will depend on your tastes, preferences, and if there is any underlying pathology.
Can you use disposable icing for a gingerbread house?
It is recommended to use disposable frosting bags when using royal icing. Fill frosting bags and cover any remaining icing in the bowl with a damp towel to prevent hardening. One batch makes 3 cups, which is enough for 2 gingerbread houses. This recipe was adapted from the Wilton recipe.
Can you use lemon icing for a gingerbread house?
This icing’s consistency is best for detail work, such as piping border, drawing decorative shapes, or gluing together a gingerbread house. The lemon juice helps harden the icing, but you could substitute vanilla extract if you prefer for flavor purposes. Keep all utensils completely grease-free.