Has anybody ever used this kind of icing on their cookies? If so, how do you like it? I don't like royal icing, as I think it's too hard, and I don't like the flavor. I'm looking for something that dries hard enough for the cookies to be stacked, but still has some softness when you bite into it. I found this recipie and I'm wondering if anyone's evey used it or something similar? Also, do you think I can substitute butter for the shortening and add a tablespoon of corn syrup to make the finish shiny?



Meringue Powder Buttercream
1/3 cup water
3 T. meringue powder
1/2 cup shortening
5 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract (use clear vanilla if you want a pure white icing)
1/4 tsp. almond extract

Beat water and meringue powder until stiff peaks form. Add shortening, sugar, and extracts and whip for 3 minutes. Store well covered.

that recipe sounds just like a regular buttercream recipe - only with no butter! I personally don't like shortening in my buttercream. sometimes I will add a small amount along with alot of butter because I figure it might give the icing a bit more stability. But as for using it for decorating cookies....well it tastes wonderful but you will not get a smooth and shiny look and your cookies will not be stackable. And they are harder to package with buttercream - especially in this hot weather. Buttercream does develop a slight crust but it still can be easily flattened with a slight bit of pressue. But the taste of buttercream on sugar cookies cannot be beat! I love the flavor.

Oh I forgot to mention......why don't you try the Toba Garrett icing if you do not care for royal icing? It's slightly different and it dries really shiny. It does not get as hard as royal and so when you bite into it, it's softer.

There is also an icing for cookie decorating called....I think it's called Alices Icing or something like that. I think I found it on this website. I have not personally made it but I do remember that it contains butter but it sounds like it works as well as royal icing. It sounds like a good alternative to royal with a much better flavor.