master-cooks | How Do You Store Royal Icing?

To store royal icing effectively, start by transferring it into an airtight container immediately after preparation to prevent it from drying out or forming a crust. Ensure the container is clean and dry before use to maintain the icing's quality. If you plan to use the icing within a few days, keep it at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. For longer storage, place the container in the refrigerator, where the icing can last up to two weeks. Before using refrigerated icing, allow it to come to room temperature and stir it well to restore its original consistency. If you need to store royal icing for an extended period, freezing is a viable option. Pour the icing into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and seal it tightly. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. When ready to use, thaw the icing in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature and stir thoroughly. Throughout storage, ensure the icing is always covered with a piece of plastic wrap directly on its surface to minimize exposure to air, which can cause it to dry out and alter its texture.

Royal icing doesn't need royal treatment

All of this assumes you have a complete batch of royal icing left over that you plan to use for decorating a dessert later. But what if you've already decorated sugar cookies with detailed designs? To store cookies that have been decorated with royal icing, wrap them in plastic and place them in a bowl. However, keep in mind that they will only stay fresh for about five to seven days before the cookies start to go stale. They will taste best within the first few days.

If you've used royal icing to decorate a cake, it's trickier to wrap it in plastic without damaging the design. Instead, allow the cake to sit in the refrigerator until the royal icing has fully hardened. Once it has set, you can safely wrap it or place it in a sturdy container, where it should remain good for about a week in the fridge. If you think you might need to keep these leftovers for a longer period, you can also freeze the cake or cookies, or even just the icing. Be sure to seal them tightly — batches of royal icing should be stored in resealable bags. In the freezer, cookies and cakes can last for about three months, while pure royal icing can last up to four to six months.

How Do You Store Royal Icing?

Royal icing doesn't need royal treatment

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