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Foolproof Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens Perfectly

A stack of soft sugar cookies topped with bright pink and yellow sugar cookie icing that hardens, covered in colorful sprinkles.
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Make bakery-style sugar cookie icing that dries hard, smooth, and glossy every time. This easy recipe is perfect for decorating cut-out cookies intended for stacking or gifting.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons milk (whole or plant-based)
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract.
  2. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and there are no lumps remaining. This is the base consistency for outlining or flooding.
  3. If you need a thinner consistency for flooding, add milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the icing slowly drips from the whisk in a continuous stream.
  4. If you need a thicker consistency for piping details, add powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired stiffness is reached.
  5. Divide the icing into separate bowls if you plan to use multiple colors. Add gel food coloring to each portion and mix until the color is uniform.
  6. Apply the icing to your cooled sugar cookies using a piping bag or a spoon.
  7. Allow the iced cookies to dry completely in a well-ventilated area, away from humidity. For a hard coating, allow 6 to 12 hours, or overnight, until the surface is firm to the touch.

Notes

  • For the whitest icing, use clear vanilla extract instead of standard vanilla extract.
  • If you notice air bubbles after mixing, gently tap the bowl on the counter several times to release them before decorating.
  • Humidity slows down the drying process significantly; avoid making or drying icing on rainy days if possible.
  • This icing sets firm, making it ideal for stackable cookie gifts.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/sugar-cookie-icing-that-hardens/