Getting the perfect consistency is the key to stress-free decorating. Start with the base recipe on the package, then adjust from there. For stiff icing (think toothpaste), use less water. This consistency is perfect for piping flowers, ruffles, and assembling gingerbread houses. Drag a knife through it, and it won't settle at all. For piping consistency (think soft-serve ice cream), add a bit more water. This works best for outlining cookies and adding lettering. Drag a knife through the icing, and the line disappears in about 25 seconds. For flood consistency (think honey), thin it further for smooth, glossy icing that fills large areas. Drag a knife through the icing, and the line disappears in about 10-15 seconds. Too thin? Add small amounts of powdered sugar until reaching desired thickness. Too thick? Add water 1 tsp at a time, mixing thoroughly between additions.

Absolutely. Corn syrup is optional but recommended if you want extra flexibility. Adding a tablespoon of light corn syrup (per batch) gives your icing a slightly softer set, making it easier to bite through on cookies and adding a touch of shine. It also extends your working time before the icing starts to crust. If you're decorating complex designs or working in a dry climate, corn syrup is your friend. Skip it if you prefer a firmer, faster-drying icing for simple designs.

This is a complete mix. Everything you need is already in the bag. With meringue powder, you still have to measure out powdered sugar, get the ratios right, and hope you've mixed it long enough. Our Royal Icing Mix eliminates the guesswork. Just add water, mix for 5 minutes, and you're decorating. It's the difference between following a multi-ingredient recipe and having a ready-to-go solution that works every time.

It tastes great. Smooth, slightly sweet, with a clean finish that doesn't overpower your cookies. We use natural flavors (no chemical aftertaste), so your decorated cookies taste as good as they look. Royal icing will always have a firmer texture than buttercream, but ours dries with a pleasant snap rather than a chalky bite. If you want an even softer eating experience, add that optional tablespoon of corn syrup.

One 12oz bag makes enough royal icing to decorate approximately 24 standard 3.5" cookies with outlines and flooding. Of course, coverage depends on your design complexity. Intricate details use more icing than simple floods. As a general rule, you'll get more mileage than you expect. If you're decorating for a party or event, we recommend having an extra bag on hand so you're never caught short mid-project.