Skip to main content

Decorative Icing

This recipe originally accompanied five-spice gingersnaps.

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.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    15 min

  • Yield

    Makes about 3 cups

Ingredients

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

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Beat together all ingredients in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until just combined, about 1 minute.

    Step 2

    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.

Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like “spectacular” breakfast shrimp and a lentil scallion salad.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Like basil chicken stir-fry and “company-worthy” cod.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.