AI went to a cake workshop a couple of weeks ago. I was told that if you add about 1/4ts. of glucose to a batch of royal icing it will make it less likely to break. I haven't tried it yet. But I do know there are some vids on you tube that tell you how to get the consistency of ri right.
I think you just concentrate while making it and don't overbearting it.
My initial thought is that there's too much air. It also might be just slightly too stiff - its hard to know for sure without seeing it. What are you piping? Outlines or letters? Or are you making your own decorations? What size tip are you using?
AThis advice is if your trying to do string work. Egg white royal icing works better than meringue powder royal icing. Any grease that gets into the icing can affect it as well. Make sure to have a super clean bowl and utensils. If using plastic or rubber spatulas, have a set that is dedicated strictly to royal icings since any greasy residue on your spatula can affect the royal icing.
I am not a fan of royal icing all together. I find that it is hard to work with and dries way too hard- like break your teeth hard. I use glucose in mine and it has made a huge difference! It still dries hard enough to stack the cookies but absolutely no problems with decorating. Here's a link to the recipe I use...
http://sweetpssweets.blogspot.ca/2012/06/is-it-royal-or-is-it-glaze-royal-glaze.html
if you really want to stick with royal, i suggest beating your icing for longer, maybe its not mixed well? or do you not sift your powdered sugar?
you can strain it through a brand new nylon stocking or a fine mesh strainer to remove the air-- i always hate to do that because it's a pia to me--but it works to stop it from breaking--
wait--soft peaks? -- i take mine to stiff peaks -- then i thin it if need be
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This advice is if your trying to do string work. Egg white royal icing works better than meringue powder royal icing. Any grease that gets into the icing can affect it as well. Make sure to have a super clean bowl and utensils. If using plastic or rubber spatulas, have a set that is dedicated strictly to royal icings since any greasy residue on your spatula can affect the royal icing.
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Both of these are really good advice. I wipe everything down with white vinegar before I start. I also usually mix my RI by hand - less chance of over mixing and too much air. And yes, passing RI through a nylon is a pain but it sure works. I also have access to free range eggs. Those whites are the best in my opinion.
I pulled out my Eddie Spence book - piping consistency should be stiff and only thinned out with a tiny amount of water if necessary.
I hope this all works out for you - breakage is so frustrating.
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