This easy cookie icing recipe dries to a smooth, glossy finish, perfect for decorating sugar cookies, gingerbread, or any holiday treat. Customize it with your favorite colors and designs!
Author:Beth
Total Time:5 minutes
Yield:1/2 cup (enough for 12-15 cookies) 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:No-Cook
Cuisine:Baking, Holiday
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract for a twist)
Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Mix the Icing Base:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add more milk, a few drops at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency:
Thicker icing for outlines.
Thinner icing for flooding (filling in designs).
Flavor the Icing:
Stir in the vanilla extract (or almond extract) for flavor.
Add Color:
If desired, divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each. Mix until evenly blended.
Decorate Your Cookies:
Use a piping bag or a squeeze bottle for precise designs. For flooding, outline the cookie with thicker icing, then fill the center with thinner icing.
Let It Set:
Allow the icing to dry completely at room temperature for 4-6 hours or overnight before stacking or packaging the cookies.
Notes
Add 1 tsp light corn syrup for a shinier finish.
Store leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Re-whisk before use.
Experiment with different extracts, like lemon or peppermint, for unique flavors.