Royal Icing With Corn Syrup And Milk
Decorated cookies, cakes, and cupcakes have become a staple in our everyday lives, whether it's for special occasions or just for fun. One of the key elements in creating beautifully adorned baked goods is using the right icing. Royal icing is a classic choice that can be used for anything from decorating sugar cookies to elaborate wedding cakes. In this article, we'll be exploring a version of royal icing that incorporates corn syrup and milk to give it a smoother consistency and a glossy finish.
What is Royal Icing?
Royal icing is a type of icing that is made up of egg whites, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. The egg whites are whipped into a meringue-like consistency, and then the sugar is gradually added in until the icing is thick and glossy. Lemon juice is added for flavor and to help cut the sweetness of the icing.
Royal icing is a great choice for decorating because it dries hard, which means that it won't smudge or smush once it's set. This makes it perfect for detailed designs that require intricate piping or flooding.
What is Corn Syrup?
Corn syrup is a sweetener that is derived from cornstarch. It's made up of glucose, which is a type of sugar, and is used in a variety of food products, including candy, baked goods, and soft drinks. Corn syrup is often used in baking because it helps to keep the baked goods moist and soft.
In royal icing, corn syrup is added to give the icing a smoother consistency and a glossy finish. It also helps to keep the icing from drying out too quickly, which makes it easier to work with for longer periods of time.
What is Milk?
Milk is a dairy product that is used in a variety of baked goods. It's often used in recipes for cakes, cookies, and breads because it helps to keep the baked goods moist and tender. In royal icing, milk is added to give the icing a softer texture and to help balance the sweetness.
When using milk in royal icing, it's important to note that it can affect the consistency of the icing. Too much milk can make the icing too runny, while too little can make it too thick. It's important to add the milk gradually and to test the consistency as you go.
How to Make Royal Icing With Corn Syrup and Milk
Now that we have a better understanding of the key ingredients in this version of royal icing, let's take a look at how to make it:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Begin by sifting the powdered sugar and meringue powder together in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the water, corn syrup, milk, and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat on low speed until everything is combined.
- Increase the speed to medium-high and beat the icing for 5-7 minutes until it becomes thick and glossy.
- If the icing is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- If the icing is too runny, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Once you've made your royal icing, you can use it to decorate your baked goods however you like. You can pipe it onto cookies, cakes, and cupcakes, or use it to flood designs for a smooth, flat finish.
Conclusion
Royal icing is an excellent choice for decorating baked goods because of its versatility and ability to harden once set. Adding corn syrup and milk to your royal icing recipe can give it a smoother consistency and a glossy finish, while also making it easier to work with for longer periods of time. By following the recipe outlined above, you can create beautifully decorated baked goods that are sure to be a hit with your friends and family.