Sugar Cookie Icing

The kitchen counter was covered in rainbow sprinkles and three small bowls of differently colored icing when my roommate walked in and asked if I'd started a bakery in our apartment.

I'd spent the entire afternoon experimenting with consistencies, trying to find that perfect sweet spot between thick enough to hold its shape and fluid enough to spread smoothly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar sifted: Sifting is nonnegotiable here because even tiny lumps will clog your piping tips and ruin the smooth finish youre after
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk: Start with 2 tablespoons and add more gradually the consistency changes faster than you expect
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup: This is the secret ingredient that gives the icing that gorgeous glossy sheen and helps it dry firm without becoming rock hard
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Dont skip this even a small amount makes the icing taste like something special instead of just sweetened sugar
• Food coloring: Gel colors work best without thinning the icing but liquid drops work fine if you adjust with extra powdered sugar

Instructions

Mix the base:

Whisk together the powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk corn syrup and vanilla in a medium bowl until completely smooth and glossy

Adjust the consistency:

Add more milk just 1/2 teaspoon at a time if the icing is too thick to pour easily

Color if desired:

Divide the icing between bowls and stir in food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach your desired shade

Decorate the cookies:

Dip the cooled cookies directly into the icing spread it with a small knife or pipe it onto the surface using a squeeze bottle

Let them set:

Leave the decorated cookies undisturbed at room temperature for at least 4 hours or until the icing is completely dry to the touch

Save

Those first few attempts were messy but my roommates didnt mind being taste testers and eventually I decorated an entire batch for my nieces birthday party.

Getting the Right Consistency

I learned that the perfect icing should run off the whisk in a steady ribbon and disappear back into the bowl within about 10 seconds.

Fixing Common Problems

If your icing is too thin add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time and if its too thick add milk literally drop by drop.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

This icing keeps surprisingly well in the refrigerator for up to a week though youll need to stir it thoroughly and possibly thin it again before using.

• Let refrigerated icing come to room temperature before trying to decorate
• Store different colors in separate small containers with tight fitting lids
• Never microwave icing to warm it up it will change the consistency completely

Save

Now every holiday season I make a double batch and keep little jars of different colors ready for whenever the decorating mood strikes.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long does the icing take to dry completely?

Allow decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or until the icing is completely set and firm to the touch. For best results, let them dry overnight before stacking or storing.

→ Can I make this icing ahead of time?

Yes, store leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature and stir well before using. You may need to add a few drops of milk to regain the proper consistency.

→ What consistency should the icing be for decorating?

The icing should be thick but pourable, similar to honey or Elmer's glue. It should flow off a spoon but hold its shape on the cookie. Add milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time to thin, or powdered sugar to thicken as needed.

→ Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, both liquid and gel food coloring work well. However, gel coloring is more concentrated and won't thin the icing as much. If using liquid, add it sparingly to avoid altering the consistency.

→ How do I get a shinier finish on my cookies?

Increase the corn syrup to 1.5 tablespoons for an extra glossy finish. The corn syrup is what creates that beautiful shine while helping the icing set firmly.