Sugar Cookie Icing (Printable Version)

A quick, glossy icing that dries firm for beautifully decorated sugar cookies

# What You'll Need:

→ Icing Base

01 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
02 - 2-3 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
03 - 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
04 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Optional Color and Decoration

05 - Food coloring (gel or liquid, as desired)
06 - Sprinkles or colored sugars (optional)

# Method:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
02 - If the icing is too thick, add additional milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency.
03 - Divide the icing into separate bowls if using multiple colors. Stir in food coloring, a few drops at a time, until the desired color is achieved.
04 - Use immediately to decorate cooled sugar cookies. Dip cookies, spread with a knife, or pipe designs using a piping bag or squeeze bottle.
05 - Allow decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for at least 4 hours or until the icing is completely set.

# Chef's Tips:

01 -
  • You probably have everything in your pantry right now, no special trips to the store required
  • The texture is absolutely perfect—it spreads like a dream but dries firm enough to stack your cookies
  • One batch makes exactly enough for a full batch of sugar cookies, with just enough left over for taste testing
02 -
  • Humidity is your enemy—on rainy days, your icing might take longer to set, so plan accordingly
  • Always decorate completely cooled cookies, or your icing will melt right off
  • The icing thickens as it sits, so keep a tiny bit of milk handy to thin it out if needed during decorating
03 -
  • For an extra shiny finish, increase the corn syrup to 1.5 tablespoons—this gives you that professional bakery look
  • If you're piping intricate designs or borders, thicken your icing with a tablespoon more powdered sugar
  • Flavor variations are endless—try almond extract for a classic sugar cookie taste or lemon extract for something bright and fresh

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