Description

Sweet, simple, and so much fun to decorate with—this Sugar Cookie Icing is exactly what you need to take your cookies to the next level. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a birthday, or just a cozy weekend activity, this icing spreads easily, sets up beautifully, and makes every cookie look bakery-worthy. It’s the perfect finish for any batch of cut-out cookies, and ideal if you’re looking for a quick breakfast treat for guests, easy dessert ideas, or festive food ideas for the season. With its glossy texture, vibrant color potential, and soft bite, it’s the ultimate easy recipe for edible creativity.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional, for shine)
Gel food coloring (as desired)
Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

Sift the powdered sugar into a mixing bowl to eliminate clumps.
Add 2 tablespoons of milk and the vanilla extract to the sugar and stir until smooth.
Mix in corn syrup if using, for added glossiness.
Adjust the consistency with more milk (to thin) or powdered sugar (to thicken) until it flows but holds its shape.
Divide into bowls if coloring. Add a drop or two of food coloring to each and mix well.
Decorate completely cooled cookies using a spoon, spatula, or piping bag.
Immediately add sprinkles while icing is still wet.
Allow cookies to dry at room temperature for 6–8 hours or overnight before stacking or packaging.

Prep Time: 10 minutes