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Quick Rock-Hard Royal Icing for Gingerbread Houses

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This quick and easy royal icing sets up like cement, making it perfect for building sturdy gingerbread houses. Made with simple ingredients like powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice, it comes together in under five minutes and holds strong without any fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
  • 2 large egg whites, room temperature (about 60 grams total)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sift the powdered sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Do not skip sifting to avoid lumps.
  2. Add the room-temperature egg whites to the bowl with the sifted sugar.
  3. Add the lemon juice (and vanilla extract if using).
  4. Whisk vigorously in a circular motion, scraping the sides of the bowl, for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns glossy.
  5. Check the consistency: the icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to pipe. It should form a soft peak that holds for a second before drooping. If too runny, add more sifted powdered sugar (1 tablespoon at a time). If too stiff, add a drop of lemon juice or water.
  6. Use immediately. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag as soon as it’s ready, as it sets up quickly.

Notes

Sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Use room-temperature egg whites for best texture. Don’t over-whisk or the icing becomes too stiff. Work quickly as the icing sets fast. For extra strength, let the icing dry completely (overnight) before moving the gingerbread house. In humid conditions, the icing may take longer to set. Apply icing generously for better hold. For a vegan version, substitute egg whites with 3 tablespoons (45 ml) aquafaba. For colored icing, use gel food coloring. Leftover icing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; press plastic wrap onto the surface before sealing.

Nutrition

Keywords: royal icing, gingerbread house, quick icing, rock-hard icing, holiday baking, cookie decorating, egg white icing

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/quick-rock-hard-royal-icing-for-gingerbread-houses/