Happy New Year!!

Well…. the holiday cookies have been made, shared, and enjoyed.  But know you are not sure what to do with the leftover Royal Icing.  Anyone who makes Royal Icing cookies knows that it is very rare to have no Royal Icing leftover at the end of the Holiday season or after any cookie project.  

But what do you do with all that leftover Royal Icing?

If you are storing right out of the mixing bowl, it is recommended that you transfer the Royal Icing into a glass storage container.  It can be stored on the countertop for 2-3 days.  Royal icing can be stored in piping bags if you would like, simply tape the tip/ends of each piping bag closed to prevent your icing from leaking and drying out the Royal Icing.   

NOTE:  The more water that is in the Royal Icing, the more liking it will separate.   But don’t worry if that does happen squeeze the Royal Icing into a bowl and remix the Royal Icing.    Do not try to mix in the bags, chances are the water has settled in the tip/or bottom of the bag and when you push on the bag you are most likely going to get a big blob of colored water all over your cookie.  

Can I store it in the refrigerator, I have another order coming up next week?

Yes, it can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks, make sure that Royal Icing is stored in a way that air does not have access to the Icing to help prevent any air from drying out the Royal Icing.

• Allow the Royal Icing to come to room temperature.
• As noted above, the longer your Royal Icing sits in the refrigerator the more likely you will see the Royal Icing begin to separate. It not bad, just follow instructions above and remix in a bowl.
• If your Royal Icing has harden chucks of Royal Icing, discard it.
• Make sure that you date and label your Royal Icing before placing it in the refrigerator.

Can I make Royal Icing ahead of Time and Freeze?

Royal Icing will stay good in the Freeze for up to 2 months.   You can freeze small amounts of Royal Icing in sealed piping bags! Massage the bag(s) to make sure all air bubbles are out, and then place them in a freezer storage bag or other airtight container. Make sure that you lay cling wrap over the surface of the Royal Icing and choose a container that can get an airtight seal.

• Leave your frozen Royal Icing to come to room temp on the counter.
• Remix as note above if needed.
• Make sure that you date and label your Royal Icing before placing it in the refrigerator

BOOM!!! Look at the time you have saved.  

So, remember the “2-2-2” rule when storing your Royal Icing

• Store for 2 days at room temperature on counter
• Store for 2 weeks in the refrigerator
• Store for 2 months in the freeze

Happy Baking!!