Eggless Royal Icing Recipe (2024)

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By: Oriana Romero/Published: /132 Comments

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This Eggless Royal Icing isperfect 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.

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Eggless Royal Icing Recipe (4)

Table of Contents hide

1.Eggless Royal Icing Recipe

2.What Is Royal Icing?

3.Ingredients You’ll Need

4.Step By Step Recipe Photo Tutorial

6.Eggless Royal Icing Flavor Ideas

7.Frequently Asked Questions

9.Eggless Royal Icing

Eggless Royal Icing Recipe

Today, we are going to talk about royalty! Yeap… Eggless Royal Icing.

First of all, I have to clarify that by no means am I an expert on decorating cookies. Not even close.

But…

My daughter loves to decorate cookies!! Unfortunately, most royal icing recipes and store-bought royal icing products have eggs as an ingredient. So, last year I found a recipe and tweaked it a little to my liking.

What Is Royal Icing?

If you are unfamiliar, Royal icing is a thick white icing used to decorate mostly cookies. It dries hard and is very versatile. There are many techniques to work with this icing, depending on the consistency and what you want to achieve.

The Eggless Royal Icing recipe I’m sharing today has a thick consistency, which makes it best for detail work, such as piping borders, drawing decorative shapes, or gluing together a gingerbread house.

Of course, you can thin the icing out with water, depending on how thick you want it.

Eggless Royal Icing Recipe (5)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions(scroll down).

  • Confectioner’s sugar – also known as powdered sugar.
  • Water
  • Light corn syrup – If you don’t like to use corn syrup, I offer an alternative recipe that uses aquafaba and cream of tartar instead. See the detail in the recipe card below.
  • Lemon juice
Eggless Royal Icing Recipe (6)

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).

  1. 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.
  2. Add light corn syrup and mix until incorporated.
  3. Stir in lemon juice and mix until incorporated.
  4. Use the white icing as it is or divide it into several bowls and add gel food coloring.
Eggless Royal Icing Recipe (7)

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.
Eggless Royal Icing Recipe (8)

Eggless Royal Icing Flavor Ideas

Feel free to add 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite flavored extracts, such as almond, lemon, coconut, orange, maple, or peppermint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Difference Between Royal Icing And Regular Sugar Icing?

The biggest difference between regular sugar icing and royal icing istexture: regular sugar icing is creamy and soft; royal icing hardens after it dries.

What Is Royal Icing Use For?

Royal icing is used to decorate gingerbread houses, sugar cookies, and many other sweet treats.

How Do You Store Eggless Royal Icing?

Royal icing can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze Store Eggless Royal Icing?

You can freeze eggless royal icing for up to a month. However, you may find an unpleasant texture change in your icing after being frozen, so I recommend using it within the first three days.

How Long Does Eggless Royal Icing Take To Dry?

These Eggless Royal Icings are completely dry in about 4-6 hours at room temperature. I always let them dry overnight to be on the safe side. The cookies need to be left out in the open to dry properly. If you’re layering royal icing o

How Do I Know If My Royal Icing Has The Right Consistency?

After mixing the ingredients, drag the tip of a butter knife through the surface of your icing. If it takes 8 – 10 seconds to settle flat, you are good. If it’s too thick, add more water (about a teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, add a little more sifted confectioners’ sugar. Continue adding more until you reach the consistency you’d like.

This Egg-Free Royal Icing Is Perfect On:

  • Eggless Sugar Cookies
  • Eggless Gingerbread Cookies

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Eggless Royal Icing Recipe (10)

Eggless Royal Icing

Oriana Romero

This Eggless Royal Icing isperfect for decorating cookies!With a subtle lemony taste, this egg-free royal icing is 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.

4 from 537 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 2 cups

Ingredients

RECIPE #1

  • 2 cups (240 g) confectioner's sugar
  • 4 – 5 teaspoons (20 – 25 ml) water
  • 4 teaspoons (20 ml) light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice

RECIPE #2

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) aquafaba
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 cups (240 g) confectioner's sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice

Instructions

RECIPE #1

  • Mix confectioner's sugar and water in a glass bowl until 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. NOTE: Check consistency; after mixing the ingredients together, drag the tip of a butter knife through the surface of your icing. If it takes 8 – 10 seconds to settle flat, you are good. If it’s too thick, add more water (about a teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, add a little more sifted confectioners’ sugar. Continue adding more until you reach the consistency you’d like.

  • Use the white icing as it is, or divide the icing into several bowls and add gel food coloring. See notes for different consistencies.

  • Use immediately, or store in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the icing for up to 3 days. Stir gently with a spatula before using.

RECIPE #2

  • Using an electric mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the aquafaba and cream of tartar on medium-high speed until it reaches medium peaks, 5 to 8 minutes

  • Add confectioner's sugar; mix until well incorporated.

  • Add lemon juice and mix to incorporate. NOTE: Check consistency; after mixing the ingredients together, drag the tip of a butter knife through the surface of your icing. If it takes 8 – 10 seconds to settle flat, you are good. If it’s too thick, add more water (about a teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, add a little more sifted confectioners’ sugar. Continue adding more until you reach the consistency you’d like.

IMPORTANT:These Eggless Royal Icings completely dries in about 4-6 hours at room temperature. I always let them dry overnight to be on the safe side.The cookies need to be left out in the open to dry properly.If you’re layering royal icing onto cookies for specific designs and need it to set quickly, place cookies in the refrigerator to help speed it up.

    Oriana’s Notes

    IMPORTANT:These Eggless Royal Icings completely dries in about 4-6 hours at room temperature. I always let them dry overnight to be on the safe side.The cookies need to be left out in the open to dry properly.

    Store:Royal icing can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.You can freeze eggless royal icing for up to a month. However, you may find an unpleasant texture change in your icing after frozen, so I recommended using it within the first three days.

    Check Consistency: After mixing the ingredients, drag the tip of a butter knife through the surface of your icing. If it takes 8 – 10 seconds to settle flat, you are good. If it’s too thick, add more water (about a teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, add a little more sifted confectioners’ sugar. Continue adding more until you reach the consistency you’d like.

    • For Thicker Icing:If you need a thicker icing, mix in a little more confectioner’s sugar.
    • For Thinner Icing: If you need thinner icing, add a few more drops of water.

    Eggless Royal Icing Flavor Ideas

    Feel free to add 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite flavored extracts, such as almond, lemon, coconut, orange, maple, or peppermint.

    Extra Tips:

    • 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.
    • Be careful not to stir vigorously, or you will add air to the icing, and it won’t flood evenly.
    • To add color, divide royal icing among several small bowls and stir in a few gel or paste food coloring drops.

    EGGLESS ROYAL ICING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

    What Is the Difference Between Royal Icing and Regular Sugar Icing?

    The biggest difference between regular sugar icing and royal icing istexture: regular sugar icing is creamy and soft; royal icing hardens after it dries.

    What Is Royal Icing Use For?

    Royal icing is used to decorate gingerbread houses, sugar cookies, and many other sweet treats.

    How Do You Store Eggless Royal Icing?

    Royal icing can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

    Can You Freeze Store Eggless Royal Icing?

    You can freeze eggless royal icing for up to a month. However, you may find an unpleasant texture change in your icing after frozen, so I recommended using it within the first three days.

    How Long Eggless Royal Icing Takes To Dry?

    These Eggless Royal Icings completely dries in about 4-6 hours at room temperature. I always let them dry overnight to be on the safe side. The cookies need to be left out in the open to dry properly. If you’re layering royal icing onto cookies for specific designs and need it to set quickly, place cookies in the refrigerator to help speed it up.

    How Do I Know If My Royal Icing Has The Right Consistency?

    After mixing the ingredients, drag the tip of a butter knife through the surface of your icing. If it takes 8 – 10 seconds to settle flat, you are good. If it’s too thick, add more water (about a teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, add a little more sifted confectioners’ sugar. Continue adding more until you reach the consistency you’d like.

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

    Please note that nutritional information is a rough estimate and it can vary depending on the products used.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 524kcalCarbohydrates: 135gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 5mgFiber: 1gSugar: 133gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 1mg

    Rate This Recipe

    Did you make this recipe? I want to see your yummy photos!Tag @mommyshomecooking on Instagram and hashtag it #mommyshomecooking or Join my Private Facebook Group

    Course Dessert

    Cuisine American

    Calories 524

    Keyword eggfree Eggless icing royal

    Eggless Baking Frequently Asked Questions

    You’ve asked, and I’ve answered! Read on for a handful of answers to the most frequently asked questions abouteggless baking.

    FAQs

    Originally posted in December 2017, the post content was edited to add more helpful information, no change to the recipe in September2021.

    Welcome to my eggless kitchen!

    Eggless Royal Icing Recipe (11)Thanks for stopping by! I’m Oriana, a wife, mom to three wonderful kids, and a passionate baker and cooker of all eggless things delicious. My goal is to give you the confidence and knowledge to cook and bake without eggs while providing quality recipes that your whole family will love. I’m really happy that you’re here, so take a seat and have fun exploring! Read More…

    Eggless Royal Icing Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    What can I use instead of eggs in icing? ›

    You can order Ener-G Egg Replacer or use this as a substitute: 2 tablespoons potato starch, 1 tablespoon tapioca starch, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. This is a very similar formula to the egg replacer mentioned above.

    What is a substitute for royal icing? ›

    Anti-royal icing is an alternative to traditional royal icing. It does not contain egg white. And unlike classic royal icing, which hardens quickly and has a stiffer texture, anti-royal icing sets but remains a little lighter and fluffier, making it perfect for cakes, cupcakes, brownies and other pastries.

    Why does royal icing have egg? ›

    The most traditional way to make royal icing is with raw egg whites. Egg whites will create the most smooth, glossy finish on whatever you use the royal icing to decorate with. Royal icing made with meringue powder will have a more matte finish.

    Are royal icing eggs safe? ›

    The risk is slight, but it is certainly possible for raw egg whites to contain food-borne pathogens, such as Salmonella. Fortunately, you can prepare royal icing using two different methods with little to no risk by using meringue powder or pasteurized egg whites.

    What do bakers use instead of eggs? ›

    Substitutes like vinegar and baking soda, plain yogurt or buttermilk can help keep cake light, airy and structurally sound. Replace each egg with 1 teaspoon of baking soda combined with 1 tablespoon of vinegar, ¼ cup of plain yogurt or ¼ cup of buttermilk.

    Which of these is used in royal icing as a substitute for egg whites? ›

    Egg White Powder

    Meringue powder has sugar in it. Since you use powdered sugar in royal icing, it's fine,” said community member Lynnht. You can reconstitute this powder with water as a substitute for egg whites (the label on the package should tell you the right ratio of powder to water for your recipe).

    What three ingredients is royal icing made of? ›

    You'll need 4 cups, or about 1 pound of confectioner's sugar, 5 tablespoons of warm water, and most importantly, 3 tablespoons of Meringue Powder. Meringue Powder is the secret to perfectly smooth and stiff royal icing that cooperates when you decorate cookies, cakes, and other treats.

    What are the three types of royal icing? ›

    There are three main types of royal icing: stiff consistency, piping consistency, and flood consistency. They are used for different decorating techniques, although sometimes you can use different consistencies to achieve the same result.

    What stops royal icing going hard? ›

    The corn syrup is an ingredient that is usually mentioned as optional in classic royal icing recipes. It adds a little gloss and elasticity to the icing. The glycerin is the not-so-secret ingredient that keeps the icing from being rock hard. You can find it in the baking section at craft stores or online.

    Why do you put lemon juice in royal icing? ›

    The lemon juice whitens the royal icing. The royal icing should be light, fluffy, and slightly stiff. You may need to adjust the consistency by adding more egg whites if the icing is too dry or more powdered sugar if it is too wet.

    How do you not get salmonella from royal icing? ›

    Although the risk is relatively low, it is best for immune-compromised people not to eat royal icing made using fresh egg whites. Dried egg whites are a safe option since they have been pasteurized.

    Why does my royal icing taste bitter? ›

    What tends to be most noticeable about using too much food coloring is how it makes the red royal icing taste bitter. Now, if you use my lemon royal icing recipe the lemon juice masks any bitterness quite well.

    Does royal icing with egg need to be refrigerated? ›

    If you're using pasteurized egg whites or fresh egg whites in your royal icing recipe, shelf life is generally lowered by about 50% for countertop, and 25% for fridge, and remains the same for freezer.

    What is the function of egg in icing? ›

    Egg whites are loaded with protein which tends to form a gel net, that thickens the recipe. This is also used to make icing or frosting. What is more, proteins in egg whites prevent sugar crystallization and promote smoothness to the finished product.

    What is a substitute for eggs in Betty Crocker cake? ›

    Potential substitutes for eggs include: yogurt, applesauce and mashed banana. Always consider the number of eggs you are replacing. A substitute is more likely to work when it's only replacing one egg.

    Can I use water instead of eggs in a cake? ›

    Whisk together water, oil, and baking powder.

    This is a great substitute if you need to replace multiple eggs in a recipe, as it won't make the baked good too greasy or change its flavor profile (like some other substitutes). A simple combination of water, baking powder, and vegetable oil mimics eggs almost to a T.

    What can I use instead of egg in packet cake mix? ›

    8 Best Egg Substitutes for Cake Mixes
    1. Pumpkin Puree. My favorite egg substitute for cake mix recipes is pumpkin puree. ...
    2. Unsweetened Applesauce. ...
    3. Plain Yogurt. ...
    4. Vinegar and Baking Soda. ...
    5. Water, Vegetable Oil, and Baking Powder. ...
    6. Soft Tofu. ...
    7. Chia Eggs or Flax Eggs. ...
    8. Powdered Egg Replacer.
    Jul 5, 2023

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