In an effort to become a bit more adventurous with my macaron designs, this Mother’s Day I made my first attempt at decorating Macarons with Royal Icing using the very icing recipe that I have previously relied on for decorating Christmas Cookies – and it worked beautifully!
I just love how the icing can be used to incorporate vibrant colours and eye catching designs.
If you’re looking for a macaron recipe, you can find my swiss meringue based, tried and true method here
The Recipe
The recipe uses just 2 ingredients (or 3 if you want to add a drop or two of vanilla extract for flavour!) The main ingredients are one egg white and some icing sugar (powdered sugar) and the method could not be simpler. Whip up the egg white to stiff peaks then add in the icing sugar and whip up some more until you have a silky, shiny icing. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding a small amount of water to thin it, or a little extra icing sugar to thicken.
Colouring
A little bit of colour goes a long way. I separated my batch of icing into 3 small bowls and used 3 different colours.
Piping Bags and Nozzle for Decorating Macarons using Royal Icing.
If you are using disposable piping bags, cut just the tiniest bit of the end if you are looking for a very fine line. If you want to use a piping tip grab the smallest round tip that you can find. I used a #2 to pipe the stems of the tulips on my macarons but next time I will probably use a #1 for an even finer more delicate finish.
Storage
Once I had made the Royal Icing I put it straight into piping bags and used it right away. If I wanted to make it ahead I would still put it straight into piping bags but I would keep them sealed until I was ready to decorate. According to google search Royal Icing can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for a number of weeks. However, as this recipe makes such a small amount you are unlikely to have any left overs!
Designing Macarons
Designing and decorating these macarons was so much fun and I received so many complements that I can’t wait to try some more designs. I started the process by looking for inspiration on Pinterest but in the end when I began experimenting with the icing, I came up with this idea for tiny tulips and love how they turned out!
Step-by-Step Instructions Royal Icing for Decorating Macarons
Step 1 – Whisk Egg White
In a medium sized mixing bowl, use hand or stand mixer to whisk one egg white to stiff peaks. You’ll know when the egg whites have reached stiff peak stage when they don’t move when you turn the bowl up side down and they will form a peak and stay there when you remove the whisk.
Step 2 – Add Icing Sugar
Add in 165g Icing Sugar – there is really no need to sift the sugar, any lumps will be removed by the whisk.
Step 3 – Whisk to Achieve Desired Consistency
Whisk for one to two minutes until you have a glossy thick icing. You want it to hold its shape quite well when you move the whisk around. You can always add a tiny bit more water or icing sugar if you think the icing is too thick or too thin.
Step 4 – Add Colour
Add in food colour a drop at a time. A little goes a long way. Once you have the desired colour and consistency pour the icing into a sealed container or piping bag until you are ready to use it.
Royal Icing for Decorating Macarons
Equipment
- 1 Medium Sized Mixing Bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Whisk Hand or Stand
- Piping bags Either disposable or reusable with small round tip
Ingredients
- 1 Egg White From a large egg
- 165 g Icing Sugar
Instructions
- Whisk 1 egg white to stiff peaks1 Egg White From a large egg
- Add in 165g icing sugar and whisk for 1-2 minutes until thick piping consistency165 g Icing Sugar
- Add in food colouring and mix to combine. You may want to separate the icing into several bowls before adding the colour if you are making more than one colour of icing.
- Cover or transfer to sealed piping bag until ready to use
Frequently Asked Questions
Store in a sealed piping bag or sealed container until ready to use.
Yes this Royal Icing does set and harden as it dries.
Yes of course, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract, lemon juice, or a pre made food flavouring. Note that adding any liquid will alter the consistency of the finished icing so you might need to add extra icing sugar.