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Easy Sugar Cookie Icing Recipe

4.4 from 87 reviews

This easy sugar cookie icing recipe is perfect for decorating your baked sugar cookies with a smooth, sweet, and colorful finish. The icing is simple to make with just a few pantry staples like powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup or honey, and your choice of extract. It can be piped, spread, or used for dipping cookies, making it versatile for all your decorating needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Icing Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 24 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla, almond, peppermint, or coconut extract
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix the base: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup or honey, and 1 teaspoon of your chosen extract (vanilla, almond, peppermint, or coconut). Stir well to start forming the icing.
  2. Adjust consistency: Gradually add more milk, a little at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency. For piping or spreading, keep the icing thicker. For dipping cookies, make the icing a bit thinner so it coats well.
  3. Add color: Mix in food coloring as desired to create vibrant or pastel hues to decorate your cookies.
  4. Decorate cookies: Use the icing to pipe, spread, or dip onto your fully baked and cooled sugar cookies. If you want to add sprinkles, apply them immediately while the icing is still wet so they stick well.

Notes

  • If you prefer a natural sweetener, honey can be used instead of corn syrup, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
  • Adjust milk gradually to avoid making the icing too runny or too thick; the ideal texture depends on the decorating method.
  • This icing sets to a slightly glossy finish once dry and holds sprinkles well.
  • Store leftover icing in an airtight container; stir before reuse.
  • Allow cookies to dry completely after icing application to avoid smudging during stacking or packaging.

Keywords: sugar cookie icing, easy cookie icing, homemade icing, cookie decoration, simple icing recipe