The art of cookie decorating often hinges on one crucial element: royal icing. This smooth, versatile frosting transforms simple cookies into edible masterpieces. But for many, the process of making royal icing from scratch can seem daunting. The question then arises: Can you buy already made royal icing? The answer is a resounding yes, and this article will delve into the world of pre-made royal icing, exploring its pros, cons, varieties, and how to use it effectively.
Exploring the World of Pre-Made Royal Icing
Making royal icing from scratch involves precise measurements and techniques to achieve the desired consistency. This can be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, especially for beginners. Luckily, the convenience of pre-made royal icing offers a viable alternative.
Advantages of Using Pre-Made Royal Icing
One of the most significant advantages is time savings. Pre-made icing eliminates the need to gather ingredients, measure precisely, and mix extensively. This is particularly appealing for busy bakers or those who only decorate cookies occasionally.
Consistency is another key benefit. Manufacturers formulate pre-made icing to achieve a specific texture, ensuring reliable results every time. This eliminates the guesswork and potential errors that can occur when making it from scratch.
Pre-made royal icing also offers convenience for occasional bakers. Purchasing a container of pre-made icing is much easier than buying individual ingredients, especially if you only need a small amount for a single project.
Finally, reduced mess is a welcome perk. Making royal icing can be a messy process, with powdered sugar flying everywhere. Pre-made icing minimizes cleanup, allowing you to focus on the fun part: decorating.
Disadvantages of Using Pre-Made Royal Icing
Despite its advantages, pre-made royal icing also has potential drawbacks. One concern is taste. Some bakers find that pre-made icing lacks the fresh, homemade flavor of scratch-made icing. This can vary depending on the brand and formulation.
Cost can also be a factor. Pre-made icing is generally more expensive than making it from scratch, especially if you bake frequently.
Another potential disadvantage is limited control over ingredients. You’re relying on the manufacturer’s recipe, which may include ingredients you’d prefer to avoid, such as artificial colors or preservatives.
Finally, some pre-made royal icing may require adjustment to achieve the desired consistency. Depending on the brand and humidity levels, you may need to add water or powdered sugar to get it just right.
Types of Pre-Made Royal Icing Available
The pre-made royal icing market offers a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences.
Ready-to-Use Royal Icing
This is the most convenient option, as it’s already mixed and ready to go. Simply open the container, stir, and start decorating. It’s ideal for beginners or those seeking maximum convenience.
Royal Icing Mix
This option requires you to add water to the mix to create the icing. It offers a balance of convenience and control, allowing you to adjust the consistency to your liking. It’s a good choice for bakers who want a slightly more customized product.
Colored Royal Icing
Pre-colored icing eliminates the need to add food coloring yourself, saving time and ensuring consistent color results. It’s particularly useful for creating intricate designs with multiple colors. Be sure the color is exactly what you desire, as it can be difficult to adjust the hue.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Pre-Made Royal Icing
Selecting the right pre-made royal icing depends on several factors, including your baking experience, budget, and desired outcome.
Ingredients and Quality
Carefully read the ingredient list to ensure it meets your dietary needs and preferences. Look for high-quality ingredients and avoid products with excessive artificial additives.
Consistency and Texture
Consider the intended use of the icing. If you need a very stiff consistency for outlining, choose an icing that is specifically formulated for that purpose. For flooding, you’ll need a thinner consistency.
Flavor and Taste
Read reviews and try different brands to find a flavor that you enjoy. Some brands offer a more natural taste, while others are sweeter or more artificial.
Price and Value
Compare prices per ounce or pound to determine the best value. Consider the amount of icing you’ll need for your project and choose a product that fits your budget.
Using Pre-Made Royal Icing Effectively
Even with pre-made icing, there are techniques to ensure successful decorating.
Preparing the Icing
Before using pre-made icing, it’s essential to properly prepare it. Always stir the icing thoroughly to ensure a smooth, even consistency. This helps eliminate any air pockets and ensures that the icing flows smoothly.
Adjusting the Consistency:
If the icing is too thick, add a small amount of water, a teaspoon at a time, and stir until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a small amount of powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and stir until thickened.
Coloring the Icing (If Needed)
If you’re using plain icing, add gel food coloring sparingly to achieve the desired shade. Liquid food coloring can alter the consistency of the icing, so gel colors are preferred.
Decorating Techniques
Practice basic decorating techniques, such as outlining and flooding, to achieve professional-looking results.
Outlining involves creating a border around the edge of the cookie using a thicker consistency of icing. This helps contain the flood icing and creates a clean, defined edge.
Flooding involves filling in the outlined area with a thinner consistency of icing. Use a toothpick or scribe tool to smooth the icing and eliminate any air bubbles.
Drying and Storage
Allow decorated cookies to dry completely before storing them. This can take several hours, or even overnight. Store dried cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored cookies can last for several weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Pre-Made Royal Icing
Even with pre-made icing, issues can arise. Knowing how to troubleshoot can save your decorating project.
Icing Too Thick
Add a small amount of water, a teaspoon at a time, and stir until you reach the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the icing too thin.
Icing Too Thin
Add a small amount of powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and stir until thickened. Again, add the powdered sugar gradually to avoid making the icing too thick.
Icing Cracking
This can be caused by drying the icing too quickly or using too much powdered sugar. To prevent cracking, allow the cookies to dry slowly in a humid environment.
Color Bleeding
This can occur when using low-quality food coloring or applying the icing too thickly. Use high-quality gel food coloring and apply the icing in thin layers.
Where to Buy Pre-Made Royal Icing
Pre-made royal icing is readily available at a variety of retailers.
Grocery Stores
Many major grocery store chains carry pre-made royal icing in their baking aisles.
Craft Stores
Craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby offer a wide selection of pre-made royal icing, including various colors and consistencies.
Online Retailers
Online retailers like Amazon offer a vast selection of pre-made royal icing, often at competitive prices.
Specialty Baking Supply Stores
Specialty baking supply stores carry a wider range of high-quality pre-made royal icing, including professional-grade options.
Alternatives to Pre-Made and Scratch-Made Royal Icing
While pre-made and scratch-made royal icing are the most common options, other alternatives exist.
Glaze Icing
Glaze icing is a simple mixture of powdered sugar and milk or water. It’s easy to make and provides a glossy finish, but it’s not as versatile as royal icing for intricate designs.
Fondant
Fondant is a pliable sugar paste that can be rolled out and used to cover cakes and cookies. It provides a smooth, professional finish, but it can be more challenging to work with than royal icing.
In conclusion, buying already made royal icing is a convenient and effective option for many bakers. Weighing the pros and cons, understanding the different types available, and learning how to use it effectively will help you create beautiful and delicious decorated cookies with ease.
FAQ 1: Is pre-made royal icing just as good as homemade?
Pre-made royal icing can be a convenient and time-saving option, particularly for beginner decorators or those with limited time. Many reputable brands offer pre-made icing that delivers excellent results in terms of consistency, color, and ease of use. However, it’s essential to read reviews and choose brands known for their quality, as some cheaper options may compromise on taste or performance.
Ultimately, the “better” option depends on your priorities. Homemade royal icing allows for complete control over ingredients and flavor, catering to specific dietary needs or preferences. It can also be a more cost-effective solution if you bake frequently. Pre-made offers convenience and consistency, ideal for occasional decorators or those prioritizing efficiency over complete customization.
FAQ 2: Where can I buy already made royal icing?
Ready-made royal icing is widely available in various locations, both online and in physical stores. Major grocery stores often carry it in their baking aisles, typically near the cake decorating supplies. Specialty cake decorating stores and craft stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby are also excellent sources, offering a broader selection of brands and colors.
Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart.com, and specialty baking websites provide convenient access to a vast range of pre-made royal icing options. When buying online, carefully review product descriptions and customer reviews to ensure you’re selecting a reputable brand and getting the desired consistency and color. Consider shipping costs and delivery times, especially if you need the icing urgently.
FAQ 3: What is the shelf life of pre-made royal icing?
The shelf life of pre-made royal icing varies depending on the brand and packaging. Typically, unopened containers of royal icing can last for several months to a year when stored properly. Always check the “best by” or “expiration” date printed on the packaging to ensure the product is still fresh.
Once opened, pre-made royal icing needs to be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored opened icing can last for several weeks, although it may require some re-stirring to achieve the desired consistency. Look for signs of spoilage like unusual odors, discoloration, or a change in texture, and discard the icing if any of these are present.
FAQ 4: How do I adjust the consistency of pre-made royal icing?
Adjusting the consistency of pre-made royal icing is crucial for achieving different decorating effects. If the icing is too thick, add small amounts of water, a teaspoon at a time, and mix thoroughly until you reach the desired consistency. It’s better to add water gradually to avoid making the icing too thin.
If the icing is too thin, add powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and mix well. Again, add it slowly to avoid over-thickening. For both adjustments, using a hand mixer or stand mixer can help ensure a smooth and even consistency. Remember to test the icing on a piece of parchment paper before decorating your cookies or cakes to ensure it flows as intended.
FAQ 5: Can I add food coloring to pre-made royal icing?
Yes, you can absolutely add food coloring to pre-made royal icing to achieve the desired colors for your decorations. Gel food coloring is generally recommended over liquid food coloring as it’s more concentrated and less likely to alter the icing’s consistency.
Start by adding a small amount of gel food coloring to the icing and mixing thoroughly. Gradually add more coloring until you achieve the desired shade. Remember that the color will deepen slightly as the icing dries. Use a clean toothpick to transfer the gel coloring to avoid contaminating the jar.
FAQ 6: What are the common problems with using pre-made royal icing?
One common issue with pre-made royal icing is inconsistencies in texture, even within the same brand. Some batches might be too thick or too thin, requiring adjustments before use. Another problem can be the taste; some brands have an artificial or overly sweet flavor that might not appeal to everyone.
Another potential challenge is the potential for clumping or air bubbles in the icing, which can affect the smoothness of your decorations. Thorough mixing is essential to minimize these issues. Additionally, some pre-made icings may dry too quickly or too slowly, depending on the brand and environmental conditions, affecting the ease of decorating.
FAQ 7: Is pre-made royal icing suitable for all types of decorating?
Pre-made royal icing is generally suitable for a wide range of decorating techniques, including outlining, flooding, and creating detailed designs. Its consistent texture makes it a good choice for creating clean lines and smooth surfaces. However, for very intricate or delicate work, some decorators prefer the control and precision offered by homemade royal icing.
While pre-made icing works well for most applications, consider the specific project and the desired level of detail. For simple cookie decorating or cake accents, pre-made is an excellent choice. For advanced techniques like brush embroidery or detailed lace work, experimenting with both pre-made and homemade icing may help you determine which best suits your needs and preferences.