Easy Sugar Cookie Icing Recipe
Nothing beats freshly baked sugar cookies, but the icing can make or break them. That’s why this easy sugar cookie icing recipe is a game changer. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a few minutes, you can turn simple cookies into festive, glossy treats ready for decorating. It’s the perfect finishing touch for your holiday bakes like Easy Christmas Cookies and other fun treats you already love to make.
Many traditional icings use complicated ingredients or techniques, but this version keeps it simple. By mixing powdered sugar, milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla, you get a smooth icing that dries firm with a shiny finish. If you like, you can split the icing into bowls and add food coloring, perfect for holiday themes like Christmas green and red, winter pastels, or birthday rainbows. Because the icing hardens without being brittle, it’s ideal for cookies that will be stacked, wrapped, or transported.
I use this icing recipe when I want bright, festive cookies without hours of prep. It pairs beautifully with classic sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or even simple round cookies. For a holiday cookie platter, you can combine this icing with bakes like Easy Cinnamon Rolls or serve it alongside a cozy mug of French Hot Chocolate for a full Christmas treat moment. Kids can help with mixing, decorating, and adding sprinkles, which makes it a fun holiday activity.
At Elevate Kitchen, we love recipes that are easy to follow and don’t require fancy skills. This icing matches that philosophy perfectly. It is quick, reliable, and versatile. You can color it, flavor it with peppermint, almond, or lemon extract, or keep it classic white and simple. No matter how you use it, this easy sugar cookie icing gives you a professional looking finish with minimal effort.
Next time you bake cookies, don’t stress over icing. Use this recipe instead. It sets firm, stays shiny, and looks beautiful under sprinkles, candies, or simple icing designs. Whether it is Christmas cookies, birthday treats, or an everyday sweet snack, this icing elevates your cookies with minimal fuss.
Easy Sugar Cookie Icing
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 5 tbsp milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free. The mixture will be thick at this point.
- To reach the desired consistency, slowly add the remaining 1–2 tbsp milk (or more, 1 tsp at a time) until the icing is easy to spread or pipe. Test by lifting the whisk; the icing should form ribbons that hold for a few seconds before blending back.
- If using, divide the icing into separate bowls and stir in gel food coloring until smooth.
- Use immediately to frost cooled sugar cookies. Spread or pipe icing, then decorate as desired (sprinkles, candies, etc.)
- Let iced cookies sit at room temperature until the icing fully sets—at least 1–2 hours for a firm finish.
Notes
- For a crisper finish, add a tiny pinch of salt to balance sweetness (especially if using flavored extracts).
- Use clear vanilla extract if you want pure white icing (no yellow tint).
- Sifting the powdered sugar before mixing helps eliminate lumps and gives a smooth icing.
- Icing sets firm in about 1–2 hours — perfect for stacking or gifting cookies.
- If the icing crusts before you’re done decorating, keep a small damp cloth over the bowl to prevent a skin from forming.
Variations
- Peppermint icing: Add ½ tsp peppermint extract instead of vanilla.
- Almond icing: Use almond extract (¼ tsp) for a subtle nutty flavor.
- Colored cookies: Divide icing and tint with gel food coloring—perfect for holidays, birthdays, or themed treats.
- Gluten-free option: Works with gluten-free cookies too (just frost after cookies fully cool).
Storage
- Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 1 week. Stir before reuse.
- Frosted cookies store best in a single layer once icing has fully set—up to 5 days at room temperature.
