Sugar cookie icing that hardens is an essential recipe for anyone who loves to decorate cookies. This icing dries to a firm finish, making it perfect for stacking and storing your beautifully decorated treats. Whether it’s for a holiday, a birthday party, or just a fun baking day, this icing will make your sugar cookies look impressive!
Why Make This Recipe
Making this sugar cookie icing is a great way to take your cookie decorating skills to the next level. It hardens nicely, allowing you to create intricate designs without worrying about smudging. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires simple ingredients you likely already have at home!
How to Make Sugar Cookie Icing
Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 & 1/2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 & 1/2 tablespoons milk or water (cold)
- Gel food coloring
Directions:
- Sift the powdered sugar into a medium or large bowl. This ensures there are no lumps in your icing.
- Add in the corn syrup, vanilla extract, and cold milk or water.
- Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk or water until you reach your desired consistency. You want it thick enough to leave a nice layer when it falls off the spoon.
- If you want to use different colors, divide the icing into smaller bowls and add gel food coloring to each bowl.
- Use the icing to decorate your cookies. Let the icing set at room temperature before placing the cookies in an airtight container for storage.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Icing
When serving sugar cookies decorated with this icing, you can present them on a beautiful platter. They are perfect for any occasion and will impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cookies with a glass of milk or alongside your favorite hot beverage!
How to Store Sugar Cookie Icing
Once the icing has set on the cookies, store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and the icing intact. If you have leftover icing, you can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. Just give it a stir before using it again.
Tips to Make Sugar Cookie Icing
- For brighter colors, use gel food coloring instead of liquid coloring. Gel colors give you vivid hues without affecting the icing’s consistency.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts to change the taste of your icing. Almond extract or lemon extract can add a fun twist!
- If you want a more glossy finish, try adding a little more corn syrup.
Variation
For a chocolate version, you can add cocoa powder to the powdered sugar. Start with a few tablespoons and adjust to taste.
FAQs
What type of food coloring should I use?
We recommend using gel food coloring because it provides vibrant colors without changing the icing’s consistency.
Can I use this icing on cakes?
This icing is best for cookies. For cakes, consider a buttercream or fondant.
How long does this icing take to harden?
Typically, it takes about 6-8 hours for the icing to fully harden, depending on humidity and temperature. Make sure to let your decorated cookies sit undisturbed during this time.
Enjoy creating deliciously decorated sugar cookies with this simple icing recipe!
Sugar Cookie Icing
Ingredients
Icing Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons corn syrup
- 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1.5 tablespoons cold milk or water
- Gel food coloring For coloring the icing
Instructions
Preparation
- Sift the powdered sugar into a medium or large bowl to ensure there are no lumps.
- Add the corn syrup, vanilla extract, and cold milk or water to the bowl.
- Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- If the icing is too thick, add more milk or water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Divide the icing into smaller bowls and add gel food coloring to each for different colors.
- Use the icing to decorate your cookies.
Serving
- Present the decorated cookies on a beautiful platter for any occasion.
- Enjoy your cookies with a glass of milk or alongside your favorite hot beverage.
Storage
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- If you have leftover icing, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.