Vegan Royal Icing

This Vegan Royal Icing perfectly mimics the traditional version. It hardens well for stacking cookies. Expert + beginner-friendly guide.

Course Dessert, Cookies

Cuisine American, vegan, British-inspired

Keyword vegan royal icing, egg-free royal icing

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 0.2kcal

Author Jamie

Ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar (125 grams)
⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
2 tablespoons aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Mix: Add all the ingredients to a small mixing bowl. Whisk at low to medium-low speed using an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes.
Adjust the consistency: When the icing dripping back into the bowl disappears into the larger quantity in about 5 seconds, you have the best consistency for piping. To thicken, whisk for another minute or two or add more powdered sugar in small increments. To thin, add water or vegan milk a few drops at a time and whisk in.
Ice: For best results, wait for cookies to cool completely before icing. Allow the icing to cool for at least 2 hours before stacking cookies. Thick solid lines maintain their consistency and color the best.

Notes

See the blog post for ingredient notes and brands, expert tips, and more!

Storage: Unused vegan royal icing can be transferred back to a jar or airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Mix well before using. I sometimes leave it on the counter at room temperature overnight and gently squeeze the bag until thoroughly mixed. If the tip seals, use a toothpick to reopen it.

How to setup a piping bag - For tips and step-by-step instructions for setting up a piping bag, see the "Expert Tips + Piping Setup" section in the blog post.

Sifting the powdered sugar - While sifting the powdered sugar is not necessary, it can help prevent excess air bubbles from entering the icing when whipped. I usually sift for small batches or if I will be gifting the final product.

Food coloring: To color, I recommend using gel food coloring so the colors stay vibrant and the thickness stays the same. My favorite brand is AmeriColor (it is gluten-free and vegan). When using food coloring, put one drop in at a time, mix thoroughly, and scrape down the bowl. Stop when you reach the desired brightness.

Nutrition