I am considering using buttercream but from what I have read it doesn't harden well. I like royal icing but not the taste...any suggestions? I was thinking of just adding a flavoring, like butter, or something like that?

You could try vanilla, almond, orange, etc..

I use LorAnns Cotton Candy Flavor...Yum!!

Where do you purchase the cotton candy flavoring from? Have either of you ever iced with buttercream?

I really like the all-natural flavorings and extracts from Spices, Etc. and have been using those for a while with great results. The Clear Vanilla is a staple for me when doing white or light colors (I just mixed up a big batch just now ) and I also have used and like their Coconut, Lime, Orange, Lemon, Raspberry, Cherry and Pumpkin Pie Spice. They have added a fun dimension to my cookies. Most times, I put them in the RI, but have also used some of them in the dough. If you want it, here are discount codes for a first time order:

CC9 flat rate shipping of $4.95 for orders within the US only
AKT9 15% for US or international orders (discount taken before shipping costs)

Choose the one code that applies to you or what you want and enter it at the beginning of checkout and then continue on.

The Flat Rate shipping will be the first option for shipping under the billing information and the 15% off will show up when looking at the summary.
If you need it, here is a link to the page on their all-natural flavorings and extracts:

http://www.spicesetc.com/category/Natural-Flavorings-Extracts

Once you are on their e-mail list, you will get other discount codes in the future. Hope that helps!

Edited to add that I have also used some of them in buttercream and fondant and was very pleased with them.

Spices etc. is amazing !
I have a few of their flavoring.. but for now I didn't gave the time to test all of them..
I tried so far :
double-fold vanilla
clear vanilla
almond
coconut
lime
banana
orange
maple

And the ones I have but didn't try for now:
hazelnut
strawberry
raspberry
blueberry
apple
cinnamon
butter
caramel
butter pecan
Coffee
lemon

LorAnns is sold everywhere..I think they even have a website..I have also used it in BC too...

Verano, I can tell you that the Raspberry is delish on a Dark Chocolate cookie! Oh, I have not tried the Maple yet as I ran out of time last Fall. I will have to give that one a whirl. Thanks for the reminder! My fingers are crossed that they will be done with developing the White Chocolate soon! I can't wait for that one!

Oops! I forgot to add that I tried the Double Fold as well. Massive yumminess!

For the maple, I use also real maple syrup with it..! The extract helps to boost the flavor of the real stuff..

And the banana and orange is also really good on chocolate..!

I just made strawberry. Everyone loved it!

Verano - You used the maple syrup in the RI? I was going to put it in the cookie, but in the RI as well sounds fab! Did you have a longer drying time? I use Antonia74's RI, but I am not sure if you are a glace or a RI gal. Sounds yummy either way!

Sweetheart - Was that the Spices Etc. Strawberry? Thanks!

i used strawberry oil from wilton, i got it at a warehouse so im not sure the actual brand, but im sure you could use loranns,

just 1 tiny drop was enough For a whole batch of antonia74's icing!

I like Spices Etc. flavorings, too!

I use the raspberry, clear vanilla, and amaretto all the time! I also like the chocolate, cherry, and caramel a lot! I have a bunch of others, but those are the ones I use the most.

Thanks everyone on the info!

Bonnie - Thanks! I will have to give those a whirl! I am hooked on Spices and love that they are all-natural. They are in the process of developing new flavors and it will be fun to see what they come up with.

Wow! I definently have enough ideas to try! Thanks a bunch!

How much extract/flavoring do you need to add to a batch of Antonia's RI to flavor it properly? 1 tsp? 1 T? just a drop?

I probably start with about 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla or almond extract in a whole batch of Antonia74's icing. Then, as I divide it into smaller bowls to color, I sometimes flavor it more with other flavors (ex. red icing usually gets a strawberry, cherry, or raspberry flavor).