Need a quick icing that sets glossy and smooth in minutes? This powdered sugar icing is smooth, glossy, and perfect for my no-spread sugar cookies (perfect for decorating), dipping donuts, or drizzling over muffins. Just three ingredients—no fancy tools, no stress.
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This icing sugar recipe is perfect for home bakers new to making icing for cookies at Christmas time, Valentine's Day, and other occasions.
This sugar cookie frosting would also be good for decorating Easter cookies.
You could also drizzle it over homemade banana bread.
You'll start with a foundation of powdered sugar, milk or cream, and a bit of vanilla extract.
Use gel dye to color the icing to match the holiday or color scheme you're working with.
Reader Comments
How to Make Powdered Sugar Icing for Cookies
Sift powdered sugar and then measure three cups.
Beat powered sugar, cream or milk, and a bit of extract in a mixing bowl using a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula until smooth and combined.
I added two tablespoons of clear corn syrup to make icin,g but that's optional.
Using corn syrup in icing will help the icing harden so you don't have smudges and also so you can stack iced cookies together without any trouble.
Ingredients
- Powdered sugar (also called confectioner's, 10x, or icing sugar)
- Cream or milk
- Vanilla extract
- Corn syrup (optional)
- Gel food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or decorations
See recipe card for amounts
Icing Variations
Switch up the flavor however you like, be creative.
Lemon Icing: Swap out the vanilla extract for a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest.
Chocolate Icing: Add two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to make a chocolate icing.
Pumpkin Spice Icing: Add a teaspoon of homemade pumpkin spice for a spicy version.
Troubleshooting Your Icing
See in the photo below how dry the icing looks?
There are little crumbles of confectioners' sugar, and it's a ways off from being something you can dip a cookie into or drizzle over a pastry.
To get the right consistency, add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until your icing is spreadable.
If you go too far and your icing is too drippy, then add a couple of tablespoons of powdered sugar.
Color Your Cookie Icing
I recommend using gel or paste food dye to color your icing.
Gel color is more intense than liquid food color and can be easier to control and to mix with other colors for a more complex hue.
If you want to make multiple colors of icing, be sure to divide up your batch into little bowls.
Toothpicks are your friend here.
Squeeze out one drop of food color on a piece of Saran Wrap or a paper plate, or a plastic baggie.
Dip a toothpick in the drop of that food color and then drag it through the icing you want to color.
Then you can build the color you want. Easier to build it than start with too dark or intense a color.
Storing Cookie Icing
Store icing in an airtight container or in a piping bag.
It can be left out at room temperature, even if you've used milk or cream. The high sugar content will keep it safe if it's left out.
Best if used within three days.
PIN FOR LATER
How do you get powdered sugar icing to harden?
Corn syrup is key to getting confectioner's sugar icing to harden enough to stack cookies for packaging or to simply eat without messy fingers.
More ideas for your cookie tables or boxes to give away or eat yourself! If you're a white chocolate fan, try making Gumdrop Nougat Candy, White Chocolate Chex Mix, or Easy Peppermint Bark Candy Recipe, or look through my white chocolate buying guide.
Or for easier holiday treats, check out this easy chocolate slow cooker candy recipe or White Chocolate Chex Mix, or Holiday Muddy Buddies.
Powdered Sugar Icing FAQs
Can I make powdered sugar icing without milk?
Yes, just substitute water, lemon juice, or a non-dairy milk like oat or almond. Just add your liquid slowly to reach the right consistency.
How do I get powdered sugar icing to harden?
Add a tablespoon of corn syrup to your icing. It helps the glaze set up shiny and firm, so cookies can be stacked without smudging.
Why is my powdered sugar icing too thick?
Just add a small amount of milk or cream—one teaspoon at a time—until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Can I color this icing?
Of course, use gel or paste food coloring for bold, rich colors without watering down the icing. Toothpicks help you control the intensity. Use a toothpick to dip into the coloring and touch the toothpick to the base icing.
How long does powdered sugar icing last?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best used within 3 days but can be refreshed with a quick stir.
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Recipe
Powdered Sugar Icing
Powdered sugar icing is perfect for frosting holiday cookies or drizzling over cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
- 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 4 Tablespoons cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons corn syrup (optional, will help your icing harden and give it a gloss)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula until mixed thoroughly.
- Color icing if desired, or leave white.
Notes
If you're going to leave the icing white, consider using clear vanilla extract so you have a true white icing.
If you don't have a sifter to get the clumps out of your powdered sugar, use a whisk and a mixing bowl or a strainer. If using a strainer, you'll probably have to push powdered sugar through the holes with a spoon or your clean fingertips.
Get a perfect no-spread, no-chill, no-stick, delicious sugar cookie recipe.
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