Royal Icing for House Assembly and Decorating

Name: Royal Icing for House Assembly and Decorating
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Yield: Assembly and decorations for one gingerbread house, or decorations for 24 to 36 gingerbread cookies
Ingredients: 2 pounds confectioners' sugar; 4 large egg whites; 4 teaspoons water, plus more if needed; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar; Generous pinch fine salt; Gel food coloring, optional

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Level: Easy

Total: 10 min
Active: 10 min

Yield: Assembly and decorations for one gingerbread house, or decorations for 24 to 36 gingerbread cookies

This is a great master recipe for all things gingerbread. As a thicker icing it works perfectly for assembling a gingerbread house, and when thinned to a pipeable consistency works well for decorating. 

Level: Easy

Total: 10 min
Active: 10 min

Yield: Assembly and decorations for one gingerbread house, or decorations for 24 to 36 gingerbread cookies

Ingredients

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2 pounds confectioners' sugar

4 large egg whites

4 teaspoons water, plus more if needed

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon white vinegar

Generous pinch fine salt

Gel food coloring, optional

Directions

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51m Easy 96%

CLASS

Special equipment:

pastry bag, round pastry tip for assembly (such as a number 10 or 12), small pastry tip for decorating (such as a number 2 or 3)

Combine the sugar, egg whites, water, vanilla, vinegar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on low speed to form a smooth paste, about 1 minute. The mixture will be thick and resemble toothpaste. Add an additional 1/2 teaspoon water if needed to smooth out the icing.
Increase the speed to medium-high and whip until fluffy and white, 2 to 3 minutes. When ready, this stiff royal icing should hold its shape and stick to your finger when touched, similar to the consistency of toothpaste. If it isn't at all sticky, add an additional half teaspoon of water and re-whip. Use this stiff icing for assembling a gingerbread house. (Make a double batch if making an advanced gingerbread house mansion.)
To thin for decorating, stir a few drops of water at a time (about 1 teaspoon total) into the icing until it is a thinner consistency that still holds its shape.
To tint the icing, stir in a few drops of gel food coloring until you reach the desired color. (As the tinted royal icing sits, the color will get a shade or two darker.)
If not using right away, cover with plastic so the icing doesn't dry out.