Sugar Cookie Icing (Printable Version)

A quick, glossy icing that dries perfectly smooth for decorating sugar cookies

# What You 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)

# How-To:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The glossy finish makes cookies look professionally decorated without any fancy equipment
  • This icing dries perfectly smooth and firm so you can actually stack your cookies without mess
02 -
  • Make sure your cookies are completely cool before icing or the icing will melt right off
  • This icing sets quickly once applied, so work in small batches and keep any unused icing covered
03 -
  • Use a toothpick to add tiny amounts of gel coloring at first, you can always add more
  • For extra shine without changing consistency, add another half tablespoon of corn syrup

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