Easy Sugar Cookie Icing Recipe

Introduction

This easy sugar cookie icing is perfect for adding a smooth, sweet finish to your homemade cookies. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create vibrant colors and a glossy texture that hardens beautifully for decorating and stacking.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (345g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp light corn syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3-4 tbsp milk or water
• Gel icing color

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the powdered sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk or water. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined, even if it seems dry at the start.
2. Step 2: Add additional milk or water, a little at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency. It should be fluid enough to pipe or spread but not too runny.
3. Step 3: Divide the icing into separate bowls depending on how many colors you want. Mix in gel icing color gradually until you achieve your preferred shades.
4. Step 4: Transfer the icing into squeeze bottles or piping bags fitted with small round tips for precise decorating, or use a knife or offset spatula to spread it directly onto your cookies.
5. Step 5: Let the iced cookies dry completely. For the icing to harden fully and allow stacking, leave them undisturbed for 4-5 hours or ideally overnight.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel icing colors instead of liquid food coloring to maintain the icing’s consistency and vibrant colors.
• If the icing becomes too thick, add a few drops of milk or water; if too thin, add a little powdered sugar.
• For a shinier finish, add a tiny bit more corn syrup.
• Try flavor variations by swapping vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract.

Storage

Store leftover icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Stir well before using again. Decorated cookies with this icing can be stored in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. Avoid stacking until the icing is fully hardened to prevent smudging.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel icing color?

While regular liquid food coloring can be used, it may thin out the icing and affect its consistency. Gel colors are preferred because they provide vibrant color without changing the texture.

How do I fix icing that’s too runny or too thick?

If the icing is too runny, add small amounts of powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, add a few drops of milk or water until you reach the desired consistency.

Easy Sugar Cookie Icing Recipe

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4.6 from 124 reviews

This easy sugar cookie icing recipe creates a smooth, glossy, and sweet glaze perfect for decorating sugar cookies. Made with powdered sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and milk or water, this icing is versatile and simple to customize with gel food colors. It dries hard enough for stacking cookies, making it ideal for festive occasions and cookie exchanges.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes plus drying time
• Yield: Enough icing to decorate 24-36 standard sugar cookies
• Category: Dessert Icing
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 3 cups (345g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp light corn syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3–4 tbsp milk or water
• Gel icing color (as needed)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the powdered sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk or water. Whisk the mixture until well combined. The mixture may appear dry at first, but continue whisking and it will come together into a smooth consistency.
2. Adjust Consistency: Gradually add additional milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency for spreading or piping. It should be thick enough to hold shape but spreadable.
3. Color the Icing: Divide the icing into separate bowls according to how many colors you want. Slowly stir in gel icing color a little at a time, mixing thoroughly until you achieve the desired shades.
4. Apply the Icing: Transfer the colored icing to squeeze bottles or piping bags fitted with small round tips for precise decorating. Alternatively, use a knife or offset spatula to spread the icing evenly onto your cookies.
5. Dry the Icing: Let the decorated cookies dry at room temperature for 4-5 hours or preferably overnight for the icing to harden fully, allowing you to stack the cookies without smudging.

Notes

• If the icing is too thick, add extra milk or water in small increments to avoid it becoming too runny.
• Light corn syrup helps give the icing a shiny finish and prevents crystallization.
• Use gel icing colors for vibrant hues without thinning the icing consistency.
• Store leftover icing in an airtight container to prevent drying out; stir well before reusing.
• Allow sufficient drying time to ensure the icing sets completely for stacking and storage.

Keywords: sugar cookie icing, easy icing recipe, cookie decoration, royal icing alternative, no-cook icing, glaze for cookies