Icing is a sweet coating made mainly from sugar, often mixed with water, milk, egg whites, or butter. Its flavor is typically sugary and mild, while its texture can range from a thin, glossy glaze to a thick, smooth, spreadable frosting. Across many cuisines, it is used to cover and decorate cakes, biscuits, pastries, and festive baked goods. Royal icing, which dries firm, has long been used for intricate decorations on celebration cakes and gingerbread.