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5 from 2 votes
4 Comments

Sugar Cookie Icing

Total Time5 minutes minutes
Recipe
Print
  • 40
By: Joanna Cismaru Last Updated: 05/17/24

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pin for sugar cookie icing.

What are Sugar Cookies without Sugar Cookie Icing! This tasty and easy icing dries beautifully, and is the perfect match for your cookies.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Why Make This Sugar Cookie Icing
  • Ingredient Notes
  • How To Make Sugar Cookie Icing
  • FAQs & Expert Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Storing
  • More Great Recipes To Try
  • Subscribe & receive a FREE Comfort Food Recipe Book!
  • Sugar Cookie Icing
  • Did you try this recipe?
4 bowls with 4 different icing colors.

This is a standard tried and true recipe for making any sugar cookie taste even better. Sugar cookies are definitely a must-have for the Holidays, and this Icing recipe is my absolute go-to for topping Sugar Cookies.

Why Make This Sugar Cookie Icing

  • Very Simple
  • Foolproof
  • 5 Minute Recipe
  • Economical

You can whip this up in 5 minutes, and it makes your cookies look and taste amazingly delectable. Choose any color, or no color at all!

Ingredient Notes

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make sugar cookie icing.
  • Sugar– Only powdered sugar will do for an ultra smooth icing.
  • Vanilla– A flavor enhancer.
  • Corn Syrup– Corn syrup allows the icing to set, prevents sugar crystals from forming, plus we achieve a shinier result.
  • Milk – Whole, 2% or skim all work great.
  • Food Coloring– Use as much or as little as you want. The more you use, the darker the color.

How To Make Sugar Cookie Icing

process shots showing how to make icing.
  1. Make Icing: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, corn syrup and milk. It should be quite thick, but if it’s too thick, add another 1/2 tbsp of milk, if it’s too thin, add 2 more tbsp of powdered sugar.
  2. Add Color: Stir in food coloring to reach desired color. Decorate cookies and allow icing to set.
sugar icing in 4 different bowls with different colors in them.

FAQs & Expert Tips

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Serve

Slather as much or as little icing as you like on your favorite Sugar Cookies.

Can I Substitute Regular Sugar for Powdered Sugar?

It’s possible, but not recommended. For Icing, powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar) dissolves easily and provides a smooth consistency.

Do You Put Icing On Sugar Cookies Before Or After Baking?

Definitely after. However, make sure the cookies are completely cooled when you begin adding the icing.

Is Royal Icing The Same As Sugar Cookie Icing?

My sugar cookie icing recipe does not use egg or meringue powder so it not classed as Royal Icing.

icing in a bowl with a spoon in it.

Tips

  1. Always allow your cookies to cool completely before putting icing on them. Otherwise, the icing will melt.
  2. If light corn syrup is not available, substitute a sugar syrup made with 1 ¼ cups cups sugar plus ⅓ cup water, boiled together until syrupy.

Storing

It’s best to use your icing immediately to retain the quality and texture. However, if you want your sugar cookie icing to last longer – freeze it!

Freezing

Place the icing in an airtight freezer bag, getting all air out and store for up to 3 months.

beautifully decorated sugar cookies.

More Great Recipes To Try

  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Coconut Cake With Coconut Cream Cheese Icing
  • Double Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes with Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Carrot Cake
  • Peanut Butter Cookies

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4 bowls with 4 different icing colors.
Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Sugar Cookie Icing

What are Sugar Cookies without Sugar Cookie Icing! This tasty and easy icing dries beautifully, and is the perfect match for your cookies.
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 0 minutes mins
Total: 5 minutes mins
Print
Rate
35

Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoon milk
  • food coloring

Instructions

  • Make Icing: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, corn syrup and milk. It should be quite thick, but if it's too thick, add another 1/2 tbsp of milk, if it's too thin, add 2 more tbsp of powdered sugar.
  • Add Color: Stir in food coloring to reach desired color. Decorate cookies and allow icing to set.

Tips & Notes:

  1. Recipe yields 35 tbsp, nutritional information is per tbsp.
  2. Always allow your cookies to cool completely before putting icing on them. Otherwise, the icing will melt.
  3. If light corn syrup is not available, substitute a sugar syrup made with 1 ¼ cups cups sugar plus ⅓ cup water, boiled together until syrupy.
  4. It’s best to use your icing immediately to retain the quality and texture. However, if you want your sugar cookie icing to last longer – freeze it!
  5. Place the icing in an airtight freezer bag, getting all air out and store for up to 3 months.

nutrition facts

Serving: 1tbsp Calories: 29kcal (1%) Carbohydrates: 7g (2%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 1g (2%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Cholesterol: 1mg Sodium: 1mg Potassium: 1mg Sugar: 7g (8%) Calcium: 1mg
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Course: Cookies
Cuisine: American

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  • 40
Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts. Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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