Royal icing has a reputation for being beautiful but bland. Crisp, smooth, dependable—yes. Memorable? Not always. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. With a little intention, royal icing can carry real flavor—bright, warm, floral, even slightly grown-up—without sacrificing structure, shine, or dry time. The key is understanding what works with royal icing instead of against it, then leaning into combinations that make sense for the cookie underneath. Let’s talk about how to flavor royal icing properly, how to keep that clean snap and glossy finish, and how to move beyond plain vanilla without overcomplicating things. (**Perfect, Easy to Follow (with Tips), Royal Icing Recipe at end of article…