Orange Royal Icing

Jul 29, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

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Sugar cookies decorated with orange royal icing

A orange royal icing that dries hard and matte for decorating cookies. Makes about 3 cups; decorates about 24 cookies.

Prep 15 min

Cook —

Dry 8 hr

Total 8 hr 15 min

Yield 24 cookies

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

4.0 cups (480.0 g)confectioners' sugar, 1 pound, sifted
3.0 tbsp (19.0 g)meringue powder
1.0 tsporange zest, very finely grated
½ tsp (2.5 ml)orange extract
6.0 tbsp (90.0 ml)warm water, plus more as needed

Make it at home

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Instructions

In a stand mixer bowl, whisk the confectioners' sugar and meringue powder.
Add the water, orange zest, and orange extract. Beat with the paddle on low speed until the icing is matte and holds stiff peaks, 7 to 10 minutes.
For outlining, use it as is or add water 1/2 teaspoon at a time until it holds a soft peak. For flooding, thin a portion until a ribbon drizzled on the surface disappears in about 10 to 15 seconds.
Keep the surface covered with plastic wrap or a damp towel while you work so it doesn't crust.
Let decorated cookies dry uncovered at room temperature until completely hard, at least 8 hours or overnight.

Tips

Grease breaks down royal icing, so use grease-free bowls and tools, and avoid oil-based flavorings.
Zest and ground spices can clog fine tips; use a #3 tip or larger, or strain the icing.
Storage: Store icing airtight with plastic wrap pressed on the surface at room temperature for up to 1 week; rebeat before using. Decorated cookies keep airtight for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make orange royal icing?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep, plus 8 hours to dry. It makes about 3 cups; decorates about 24 cookies.

How should I store orange royal icing?

Store icing airtight with plastic wrap pressed on the surface at room temperature for up to 1 week; rebeat before using. Decorated cookies keep airtight for up to 2 weeks.

A orange royal icing that dries hard and matte for decorating cookies. Makes about 3 cups; decorates about 24 cookies.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 24 servings this recipe makes.

78 Calories / serving

0.0g Fat

20.0g Carbs

0.1g Protein

19.6g Sugar

Whole recipe (24 servings): ~1872 cal · 0g fat · 480g carbs · 2g protein · 470g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 78 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 15 min·0.9 mi·~1750 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 11 min·0.6 mi·~1100 steps
Moderate cycling 8 min·1.6 mi
Swimming laps 11 min
Jogging 8 min·0.7 mi·~1300 steps
Stair climbing 7 min·~650 steps
Dancing 13 min
Bodyweight circuit training 8 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 18 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.