I've been having some problems making the wilton recipe royal icing. No matter what I try, the icing stays shiny and won't hold its shape. It is too stiff to pipe, but the flowers lose their shape and the icing tends to almost melt.

I have tried mixing it longer, but that hasn't made a difference. My bowls, mixers, etc. have all been thoroughly washed, so I don't think it's the grease issue. Any suggestions for what I'm doing wrong? Would I have better luck using egg whites instead of meringue powder?

Thanks!

Pastuerized egg whites, lemon juice and powdered sugar make a good royal icing. It should be beaten until it is no longer shiny. then, to thin it for piping, remove a small amount and thin it slightly with more lemon juice. There are many recipes.

Have you tried adding the water sloowwwwwly while mixing? It might just be a matter of it not needing the extra teaspon or two of water. I think the recipe says " 5 to 6 tablespoons". I start with 2 and then add teaspons slowly from there.

You've either not got enough sugar or not got enough egg white/egg white powder.