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Bakery Style Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens Perfectly

Close-up of a square sugar cookie bar with thick, bright blue sugar cookie icing that hardens.
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Make glossy, smooth sugar cookie icing that hardens completely. This reliable recipe is perfect for decorating cutout cookies you plan to stack or gift.

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, as needed

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. If the icing is too thick for outlining, add milk, one half teaspoon at a time, until you reach a piping consistency.
  3. If the icing is too thin for flooding, add powdered sugar, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds a soft peak.
  4. Separate the icing into smaller bowls for coloring. Add gel food coloring one drop at a time, mixing thoroughly until you achieve your desired shade.
  5. Use the icing to outline your sugar cookies first. Let the outline dry for 10 to 15 minutes until it forms a slight crust.
  6. Fill in the outlined areas with the thinned icing (flood consistency). Gently tap the cookie on the counter to release air bubbles.
  7. Let the decorated cookies dry uncovered at room temperature until the icing is completely hard. This usually takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on humidity.
  8. For faster drying, you can place them in front of a fan.

Notes

  • Using light corn syrup is key to achieving a glossy, durable finish that dries hard. Do not skip this ingredient.
  • For the smoothest icing, sift your powdered sugar before measuring.
  • If you need a very fast drying time for stacking, consider using meringue powder instead of corn syrup for a true royal icing that sets firm quickly.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Nutrition

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