The benefits of homemade meringue powder

If you’ve ever struggled with royal icing that cracks, crumbles, or tastes off, the issue might not be your technique — it might be your meringue powder.

After trying just about every brand out there, I realized that most store-bought meringue powders were filled with additives, preservatives, and ingredients I couldn’t pronounce. So I stopped using them altogether and started making my own.

This blog is all about why I made the switch, what’s in my homemade meringue powder, and how you can start using it too.

What Is Meringue Powder?

Meringue powder is a dry, shelf-stable mix used in place of fresh egg whites. It’s essential in royal icing, meringue cookies, and even some buttercreams. Most brands are a blend of dried egg whites, sugar, stabilizers, and flavorings.

It’s super convenient, but not always great in flavor (or smell) — and that’s where my recipe comes in.

Why I Make My Own Meringue Powder

After years of cookie decorating and teaching classes, I found that store-bought powders just didn’t give me the results I wanted. Some tasted chalky. Some had a strange aftertaste. Others were full of things I didn’t want in my kitchen.

So I developed a clean, consistent alternative.

When I competed on the Food Network Christmas Cookie Challenge, I made my meringue powder from scratch before making my royal icing. One of the producers told me no one had ever made their own meringue powder on the show before — so I thought that was pretty cool.

Today, it’s the only meringue powder I use.

What’s in My Meringue Powder — and Why

My recipe is simple, but every ingredient has a job to do:

🥚 Dried Egg Whites

This is the base of meringue powder and provides the protein that makes royal icing stable and pipeable.

And no — you don’t have to dry egg whites yourself! Dried egg whites are easy to find online, and I use a specific brand that works beautifully. You’ll find the exact brand I recommend, with the link to purchase, inside my recipe bundle.

Powdered Sugar

Adds sweetness and helps the mix blend evenly with the other dry ingredients. It also helps the icing whip up smoothly.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch prevents clumping and absorbs moisture. Without it, your meringue powder could harden in storage. (It’s also found in powdered sugar for the same reason.)

Cream of Tartar

This one’s the stabilizer. It helps the egg whites form stiff peaks and keeps your icing from deflating. Cream of tartar is actually a byproduct of winemaking and works like magic in royal icing.

How I Store It

Once mixed, I keep my homemade meringue powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place — like my pantry. It stays fresh for up to 6 months with no need to refrigerate.

💰 How Much Can You Save?

Here’s what surprised me the most: the cost.

A 16 oz tub of name-brand meringue powder can cost over $40 ( I used the current price of Wilton for this example)
My homemade version costs about $6 for the same amount
That’s just $0.60 per batch of royal icing compared to $4 or more

If you decorate cookies regularly, that’s real savings without sacrificing quality.

What my recipe bundle includes:

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My Royal Icing Recipe Bundle includes:

✅ My homemade Meringue Powder Recipe
✅ My Royal Icing Recipe
✅ A guide to royal icing consistencies
✅ My go-to Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe

Whether you're just starting out or you've been decorating for years, this bundle gives you everything you need to get smooth, glossy, and great-tasting results.

All the exact links to ingredients I use are included in the bundle!

❓FAQs About Meringue Powder

What does meringue powder do in royal icing?

It replaces egg whites, helping royal icing whip up into stiff peaks and dry with a strong, smooth finish.

Can I make royal icing without meringue powder?

Yes — you can use pasteurized egg whites instead. Just know that it won’t last as long and you’ll need to refrigerate it.

How long does homemade meringue powder last?

Up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

❓FAQs About The Cheerful Baker

Where are you located?

I’m based in Lexington, KY, but I work with cookie decorators all over through digital downloads and online classes.

Do you sell physical meringue powder?

No — I share my exact recipe so you can make it yourself using common pantry ingredients.

Is the Royal Icing Recipe Bundle beginner-friendly?

Yes! Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking to improve your results, this system is easy to follow and tested to work.

Final Thoughts

Your cookies deserve better than bland, unpredictable icing. Making your own meringue powder gives you full control over your ingredients, flavor, and results — without the chemicals and without the high price tag.

If you’re ready to take control of your ingredients and feel more confident in your cookie decorating, my Royal Icing Recipe Bundle will guide you every step of the way.