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Delicious sugar cookies with colorful icing ready for decoration

Sugar Cookie Icing

A simple yet versatile icing for decorating sugar cookies, this icing dries well, holds color, and offers a sweet buttery flavor without being overly sugary.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 batch
Course: Baking, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Icing Base Ingredients
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar Sift if clumpy.
  • 1 tablespoon Light corn syrup Optional, for shine and smoother setting.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Can substitute with almond extract.
  • 1 pinch Salt Balances sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons Milk or water Milk offers richer flavor.
Coloring and Decoration
  • Food coloring Gel coloring recommended to avoid watering down.

Method
 

Prepare Icing Base
  1. In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, corn syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and salt.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of milk or water and stir gently to avoid a sugar cloud.
  3. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Check the icing texture by lifting your spoon; it should fall in thick ribbons and smooth out in 10 to 15 seconds for flooding icing.
Adjust Consistency
  1. If the icing is too runny, add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time.
  2. If it’s too thick, add liquid by the drop until the desired consistency is achieved.
  3. For multiple colors, keep the base slightly thicker as food coloring may loosen it.
Decorate Cookies
  1. Ensure cookies are completely cool before icing.
  2. Outline cookies first using thicker icing, then flood the interior with thinner icing.
  3. Use a toothpick to pop air bubbles and nudge icing into corners.
  4. Sprinkle details right away; for lines or dots, wait 10 to 20 minutes for the base layer to firm up.

Notes

Icing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Adjust with liquid if it thickens.