Air Dry Method (Preferred Method) for Drying Royal Icing
After flooding your cookies with royal icing, take a heat gun and set it to a low heat setting. A heat gun can produce high heat, so it's important to use the lowest setting to avoid melting the icing.
Hold the heat gun about 6-8 inches away from the cookie. Gently sweep it back and forth over the surface for about 30 seconds. This brief exposure to heat will help to set the top layer of the icing, stabilizing its structure.
The idea is to just lightly dry the surface without heating the icing too much. This initial setting will prevent the icing from flowing out of bounds or collapsing in the middle.
Leave the iced items undisturbed in a dry, warm room with low humidity and good air circulation
Place your iced cookies or treats on a tiered wire rack. This not only saves space but also allows for better air circulation around each item, promoting even drying.Ensure that the cookies are spaced out so they do not touch each other.
Leave the iced items on the wire rack undisturbed. Keep them away from direct sunlight and any sources of heat or moisture.If you're in a humid environment, consider using a dehumidifier in the room to help reduce air moisture.
The drying time can vary based on the icing thickness and room conditions, typically ranging from 6 to 24 hours. Thicker icing or more elaborate designs might take longer.
To test if the icing is dry, gently touch the edge. If it feels firm and doesn't stick to your finger, it's ready.Avoid pressing too hard, as the icing could be dry on the surface but still soft underneath.
Once fully dry, you can proceed with further decorating steps or simply enjoy your beautifully iced treats.
Fan Method
Place iced items in an area with a fan on a low to medium setting, maintaining a reasonable distance to avoid disturbing the icing.
The fan's gentle breeze helps to evaporate moisture from the icing faster than still air.
Using a fan typically reduces drying time by about 50%. For instance, if it normally takes 8 hours to air dry, the fan method might reduce this to around 4 hours, depending on icing thickness and humidity.
Watch the icing for even drying, rotating items as needed to ensure uniformity.
Heat Gun Or Hair Dryer
Use a heat gun on low heat or a hair dryer on cool setting.This method is not recommended for cookies with a large amount of icing, particularly flooded icing, as the intense heat or air flow can cause the icing to spread unevenly or form a crust while leaving the underneath still wet.
Keep the device 6-8 inches away from the icing to avoid overheating.
Sweep back and forth evenly over the icing for quick drying. The heat gun sets the surface rapidly, while the hair dryer offers a gentler approach.
Typically, this method sets icing in about 5-10 minutes.
Avoid overheating to prevent melting or color distortion. Keep the tool moving constantly.
Oven
Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, typically around 170°F (75°C), then turn it off. This method uses gentle warmth, not direct heat.
This method is particularly effective for line decorations or finer details made with royal icing. If you've used a flooding technique to cover a large area with a thin layer of icing, be cautious as the heat could cause the icing to collapse in the middle.For flooded cookies, it's generally safer to use a cooler drying method like air drying to prevent any deformation or collapse of the icing.
Place your cookies with line decorations on a baking sheet. Ensure they are not touching each other for even airflow.Put the baking sheet in the warmed oven, leaving the door slightly ajar. This allows you to monitor the icing without disturbing it and prevents moisture buildup.
Check your treats every 5-10 minutes. Royal icing for line decorations typically dries in about 15-20 minutes in the oven, but this can vary.Be vigilant to avoid over-drying, as this can lead to cracking of the icing.
Gently touch the edge of the icing. If it feels firm and does not stick to your finger, it's ready.
Dehumidifier Method
Place a dehumidifier in the room where you’ll dry your iced items. Start it before decorating to reduce the room's humidity to around 50% or lower.
Use a wire rack for better air circulation. Place your iced treats in the controlled humidity environment.
The dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air, creating an ideal drying environment for royal icing, especially in humid conditions.
Typically, using a dehumidifier can cut drying time by about 30%. For example, if icing usually takes 24-48 hours to air dry, it might dry in around 16-17 hours with a dehumidifier.
Periodically check your icing. Adjust the dehumidifier if the icing dries too quickly and begins to crack.