Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　15 min

　　This recipe originally accompanied five-spice gingersnaps.

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 3 cups

　　1 (1-lb) box confectioners sugar

　　4 teaspoons powdered egg whites (not reconstituted) such as Just Whites

　　1/3 cup water

　　1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

　　1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

　　

Step 1

Beat together all ingredients in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until just combined, about 1 minute.

　　

Step 2

Increase speed to high and continue to beat until icing holds stiff peaks, about 3 minutes in a stand mixer or 10 with a handheld. If not using icing immediately, cover surface with a dampened paper towel, then cover bowl with plastic wrap.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Icing can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, its surface covered with a dampened paper towel and bowl covered with plastic wrap.