Learn how to make sugar cookie icing that hardens into a glossy, shiny glaze. This easy sugar cookie icing recipe only uses four simple ingredients (with no meringue powder!) and takes five minutes to make!
Sift powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Add 6 teaspoons milk, corn syrup, and extract. Stir vigorously until icing is smooth and no lumps remain.
If needed, add additional milk to thin icing. Test the desired consistency for spreading by lifting a spoonful from the bowl. It should drizzle back down slowly and mound gently. If making colored icing, divide into small bowls and stir in food colorings. (See recipe notes for tips on decorating.)
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?? DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE FEEDBACK AND/OR CLICK A STAR RATING ON THE RECIPE CARD
Video
Notes
How to Ice Sugar Cookies
Pipe an outline of icing around the edges. This makes a dam for clean icing edges.
Use the same tip to fill in the middle. A small knife or toothpick helps smooth over any gaps.
If using sprinkles, decorate immediately. The top layer will harden quickly.
Set cookies on baking sheets to fully harden. This will take 12-24 hours, depending on the amount of frosting used.
Tips for Making The Best Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens
Start with adding the minimal amount of milk. Add more if the icing is too thick to spread.
If frosting is too thin add more powdered sugar. To thicken icing add additional milk.
How do you know if you have the perfect consistency for spreading? Raise a spoonful from the bowl and it should slowly fall and gently mound.
Looking for sugar cookie icing without almond extract? Use this recipe and substitute vanilla, lemon, maple, coconut, or orange extract. Also, the extract may be left out entirely.
Sifting the powder sugar is essential for eliminating lumps and making icing smooth.
In place of the milk, non-dairy milk, lemon juice, or water may be used.
Kitchen Essential for Icing Sugar Cookies
Want to ice cookies like a pro? Proper equipment definitely makes the job easier! Here are my preferred tools for expertly icing sugar cookies.However, if the kids are decorating Christmas cookies small cheese spreaders and toothpicks do the trick as well!
Reusable Piping Bags - Love these because they are affordable and you never have to clean a piping bag again!