Name: Royal Icing
Yield: Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients: 3¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted, plus more if needed; 2 large egg whites; 1 tsp. strained fresh lemon juice; Assorted food colorings (optional)

Image may contain Icing Food Creme Dessert Cake Cream and Egg

Royal icing is a pure-white, sticky icing that dries to a hard finish. Royal icing is used for delicate piping on cookies and gingerbread houses. Its bright white hue makes it a good option for tinting whatever color you like.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

53 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Egg Whites
Extra egg whites? Use them in twirly meringues, frothy cocktails, and the fluffiest coconut cake.
19 Cake Frosting Recipes So Good You’ll Lick the Bowl
Here’s how to make different types of frostings and cake fillings.
The Sweet—and Intricately Detailed—World of Cookie Artists
An online community of "cookiers" creates confections that look too good to eat. Well—almost too good.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Recipe notes

53 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Egg Whites

19 Cake Frosting Recipes So Good You’ll Lick the Bowl

The Sweet—and Intricately Detailed—World of Cookie Artists