Last week we challenged you to create your best biscuit dough, and this week we're showing you how to perfect your line icing skills. We love line icing here at Biscuiteers HQ because it's so versatile — it's where all of our biscuit designs begin, and the possibilities are endless! Just follow the recipe and our best tips and tricks below. We've also included some project ideas to put your newfound skills to use.
Ingredients
- 150ml cold water
- 900g royal icing mix
Serves: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 20 mins
– Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl, starting with the liquids first.
– Add the dry ingredients and whisk or beat for about 5 minutes with an electric whisk, or longer with a wooden spoon. Start slowly to avoid clouds of icing sugar.
– Continue whisking until the mixture forms a thick, smooth, bright white paste with a consistency like toothpaste.
– If not using immediately, cover the surface of the icing with cling film and refrigerate.
– To colour, divide and mix in food colouring as desired, then fill your piping bag to begin.
Line Icing Tips
Your line icing should be the texture of toothpaste. If it’s too stiff, add a little water.
When starting out or working with children, use a larger plain nozzle (size 3) or cut a larger hole in a disposable piping bag.
Always cut a small hole first, then adjust as needed to fit your nozzle.
To begin icing a shape, start close to the biscuit to create a small anchor blob. Then lift and guide the icing around your shape, anchoring again at the end.
If you're outlining a shape for flooding, ensure the line is unbroken to contain the icing properly.
Project Ideas
Create your own jolly gingers: Start with arms, legs, and a smiley face. Practice on baking parchment first to get the hang of it. Once confident, try characters — astronauts, ballet dancers, or even friends and family.
Personalised writing: Print or write your chosen message as a guide. Trace over it with baking parchment to practise before icing directly onto your biscuit. For longer messages, start in the centre to ensure proper spacing.
We hope you’ve enjoyed icing along with us and learning our best line icing tips. Share your creations using #IceolationChallenge!