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This easy sugar cookie icing is my go-to cookie icing for sugar cookies when I want something simple, glossy, and perfectly set—no royal icing required! It dries smooth and firm, making it the best sugar cookie icing that hardens for decorating with kids or prepping cookies ahead.
For another holiday favorite, you will absolutely love these Christmas Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies. My readers have been adding them to their holiday cookie trays for years! Or if you’re looking for a recipe kids can help with, try my Christmas M&M Cookies.
Why this is the best sugar cookie icing that hardens!
Decorating sugar cookies with my family is one of my favorite holiday traditions. Every year, we gather to make the icing in all different colors for my Cutout Sugar Cookie Recipe. This easy sugar cookie icing recipe makes getting professional looking cookies practically effortless!
Not only does it harden with a nice, glossy sheen, it also has a great flavor, which is sometimes hard to get with sugar cookie icing.
- No raw egg whites or meringue powder: This simple powdered sugar icing is approachable and avoids food safety concerns.
- Sets firm with a soft bite: It dries enough to stack and transport, without turning brittle.
- Easy to customize: Adjust thickness for flooding or outlining, and tint with any colors you like.
- Kid‑friendly decorating: Spoon, dip, or drizzle—no special tools required.
Ingredients for the Best Icing for Sugar Cookies
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions:
- Powdered sugar – Sift the powdered sugar before mixing to ensure there are no lumps.
- Milk – Use more or less milk depending on the consistency of the icing you want.
- Light corn syrup – The corn syrup gives the icing a glossy finish.
- Vanilla extract – The vanilla gives a subtle flavor.
- Food coloring – If you plan on using many colors, use gel food coloring. This will keep the consistency of the icing the same, unlike liquid food coloring.
Variations
- Add a flavor to the icing. Instead of vanilla extract, use a flavored extract like peppermint extract, almond extract, or lemon extract to give the sugar cookie icing a distinct flavor.
- Make the icing dairy-free. Swap out the milk with your favorite dairy-free alternative.
- Adjust the sweetness. If you find the icing is too sweet, add a pinch of salt to balance out the flavors.
How To Make Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens
- Make the base: Combine the sifted powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in the bowl. Use a whisk to stir the mixture until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the right consistency of the icing is reached.
- Color the icing: For different colors of icing, divide the icing into different bowls and add food coloring to each bowl. Mix until the color is distributed throughout.
- Place in piping bags: Transfer the icing to a piping bag or squeeze bottles for decorations. (You can also use a knife or spoon to spread the icing on the cookies.)
- Decorate: When done decorating, allow the cookies to set and leave them to dry for 2-3 hours.
Storage
- Room temperature: Decorated sugar cookies can sit out for 2–3 days once the icing is fully set.
- Refrigerator: Store unused icing in an airtight container for up to 5 days; stir before using.
- Freezer: Decorated cookies freeze well for up to 3 months—thaw uncovered to prevent condensation.
More Holiday Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
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Easy Sugar Cookie Icing
Equipment
- Medium sized bowl
- whisk
- Piping Bags
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjusted for desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency. For outlining cookies, use a slightly thicker consistency. For flooding cookies, make the icing thinner.
- Divide the icing into separate bowls if using multiple colors. Add food coloring to each bowl and stir until the color is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the icing to piping bags or squeeze bottles for decorating. Alternatively, use a spoon or knife to spread the icing onto cookies.
- Allow the icing to set for 2-3 hours at room temperature, or until fully dry. Store any unused icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Video
Notes
- Cool the cookies first: Let the sugar cookies fully cool to room temperature before applying the icing. If the cookies are warm, the icing will slip right off.
- Let them set before stacking: When the decorating is complete, let the cookies sit out for 2-3 hours at room temperature to fully set. This will keep the icing from smudging.
- Adjust the consistency: If the icing starts to thicken while it sits, add a few drops of milk to the mixture to loose it up again.
Perfect for decorating. Love that smooth, glossy finish!
I tried this and it worked so well. It hardened perfectly and made the cookies look amazing.
Saving this for my next cookie batch!
One of my favorite easy sugar cookie icing recipe!