2000s Recipes + Menus

Decorative Icing

Makesabout 3 cups
  • Active time:15 min
  • Start to finish: 15 min
December 2006
This recipe originally accompanied five-spice gingersnaps. See Kitchen Notebook for more about icing cookies.
  • 1 (1-lb) box confectioners sugar
  • 4 teaspoons powdered egg whites (not reconstituted) such as Just Whites
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Beat together all ingredients in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until just combined, about 1 minute.
  • Increase speed to high and continue to beat until icing holds stiff peaks, about 3 minutes in a stand mixer or 10 with a handheld. If not using icing immediately, cover surface with a dampened paper towel, then cover bowl with plastic wrap.
Cooks’ note: Icing can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, its surface covered with a dampened paper towel and bowl covered with plastic wrap.
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