Why does royal icing develop spots?

1. Air bubbles: When you whip up royal icing, you incorporate air into the mixture. These air bubbles can rise to the surface and create spots. To avoid this, make sure to whip the icing on low speed and tap the bowl on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles.

2. Humidity: Royal icing is a sugar syrup, and sugar syrup can absorb moisture from the air. If the humidity is high, the icing can become runny and develop spots. To avoid this, store your royal icing in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

3. Temperature: Royal icing is best applied at room temperature. If the icing is too warm, it can become runny and develop spots. If the icing is too cold, it can become stiff and difficult to spread.

4. Grease: Royal icing does not adhere well to grease. If the surface you are icing is not completely clean and dry, the icing can develop spots. To avoid this, make sure to clean the surface with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely before applying the icing.

5. Additives: Some additives, such as food coloring or flavoring, can cause royal icing to develop spots. If you are using any additives, make sure to test a small amount of the icing before you use it on your entire project.