Easy Sugar Cookie Icing Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/easy-sugar-cookie-icing-recipe/
