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What are Sugar Cookies without Sugar Cookie Icing! This tasty and easy icing dries beautifully, and is the perfect match for your cookies.
![4 bowls with 4 different icing colors.](https://cravinghomecooked.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sugar-cookies-icing-04.jpg)
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.](https://cravinghomecooked.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sugar-cookies-icing-ingredients.jpg)
- 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–Â 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.](https://cravinghomecooked.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sugar-cookies-icing-proccesing-shot.jpg)
- 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.
![sugar icing in 4 different bowls with different colors in them.](https://cravinghomecooked.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sugar-cookies-icing-03.jpg)
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.](https://cravinghomecooked.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sugar-cookies-icing-01.jpg)
Tips
- Always allow your cookies to cool completely before putting icing on them. Otherwise, the icing will melt.
- 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.](https://cravinghomecooked.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/easy-sugar-cookies-06.jpg)
More Great Recipes To Try
![4 bowls with 4 different icing colors.](https://cravinghomecooked.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sugar-cookies-icing-04-650x650.jpg)
Sugar Cookie Icing
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:
- Recipe yields 35 tbsp, nutritional information is per tbsp.
- Always allow your cookies to cool completely before putting icing on them. Otherwise, the icing will melt.
- 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.
- 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!
- Place the icing in an airtight freezer bag, getting all air out and store for up to 3 months.
Can you use maple syrup or syrup as a substitute for corn syrup? I have made the cookies and they turned out amazing now I would like to make the icing as well.
Yes, you can use maple syrup as a substitute for corn syrup in the icing. It’ll give a different flavor but should work well. Glad to hear the cookies turned out amazing!
Can this icing be used on your shortbread cookies?
Absolutely!