Description
This sugar cookie icing recipe that hardens is your go-to solution for decorating cookies with a glossy, firm finish. It’s quick to make, easy to customize with colors and flavors, and perfect for holidays, birthdays, or everyday baking.
Ingredients
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (more as needed)
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
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Add corn syrup and vanilla (or almond) extract. Stir until well combined.
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If using food coloring, divide icing into bowls and add gel coloring as desired.
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Spread or pipe icing onto cooled sugar cookies.
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Gently tap cookies on the countertop to smooth the icing.
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Let cookies sit at room temperature for 2-4 hours, or overnight, until icing is fully hardened.
Notes
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For dairy-free icing, substitute almond milk or water.
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Add lemon, peppermint, or other extracts for flavor variations.
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For a firmer, royal icing texture, incorporate 1 tablespoon of meringue powder.
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Store leftover icing in the fridge for up to 1 week; stir before reuse.
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Freeze icing for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before use.
