Classic Royal Icing for Decorating

1. Combine Ingredients

In the bowl of an electric mixer, gently whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, egg whites, cream of tartar, and kosher salt until the mixture reaches a stiff and glossy consistency with peaks that hold their shape.

2. Color the Icing

If using food coloring, distribute the icing into separate small bowls and fold in the coloring with a rubber spatula until the desired hue is achieved. Prepare two versions of icing: a thicker one for piping and a thinner one for flooding.

3. Transfer to Piping Bags

Carefully transfer the icing into piping bags fitted with small round tips, ready for decorating cookies. Use the thicker icing for outlines and detailed work, and the thinner icing for flooding larger areas.

4. Allow to Set

After decorating, allow at least 2 hours for the icing to set and harden, ensuring that the designs remain intact and crisp.