Cookie Icing Recipe That Hardens for Decorating

When it comes to sugar cookies and decorating them you need to make sure that your icing has that perfect consistency. Something that can be used for outlines, flooding, and even decorating once the first layers sets and that’s why I am sharing my super easy and oh so perfect icing recipe.

It uses a fee staple ingredients that you probably already have at home

This is the best sugar cookies icing recipe that hardens!

Since we all love a good glossy sugar cookie icing, I played around with ratios and ingredients and I think this will be the best way to go. A little powdered sugar, some vanilla, milk, and corn syrup to give it that beautiful sheen. So if you are a first time cookie decorator, this recipe is going to come in so handy, allowing you to have some fun with your family and create new cookie decorating traditions.

Why you need to make this recipe!

• It uses basic ingredients that you might already have at home.
• This recipe comes together extremely fast. The only thing is that you have to be patient when waiting for it to harden.
• It creates an icing that has the perfect glossy surface when it sets.
• You can use it to decorate your Christmas cookies, as well as any other holiday or celebration cutout sugar cookies.

Ingredients for the best icing recipe ever!

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this easy shiny icing for cookies.. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Icing sugar– This is also called confectioner’s sugar or powdered sugar.
• Corn syrup- the corn syrup is used in this recipe to produce an icing that have
• Clear vanilla extract– You can use pure vanilla extract if you want but just be aware that your icing will not be so white.
• Milk or water– Start with a tiny bit and mix. The less water you use the thicker the icing is. Of course it will depend on what you are doing with it. For example flooding will need to be a bit thinner while the more intricate designs like writing on your cookie (or outline icing) would have to be a bit more thick.
• Gel food coloring– I prefer to use gel food coloring to make sure not to add too much unnecessary liquid to my icing. But if you don’t have that check the FAQ for tips.

How to make sugar cookie icing that hardens?

This is how you can make this homemade icing. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions! 

1. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and corn syrup to a large bowl.
2. Whisk to combine and assess if you need to add more or less liquid to get you ricing to the desired consistency.
3. If you want to color you ricing, separate into small bowls and color each one to your liking.
4. Use to dip your cookies, add it to squeeze bottles and use it that way, or pour it into a piping bag with a thin piping tip and decorate your cookies.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How to store this sugar cookie icing recipe that hardens?

Proper storage of the leftover icing is a must to be able to reuse it later. Make sure to store it in a squeeze bottle with a cap or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow it to get back to room temperature before using it again.

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of the clear vanilla extract?

You sure can but just be aware that the color of your icing will not be as white. I do that when I am planning on coloring my icing with either gel food coloring. For example my dark green Christmas trees icing has regular vanilla extract because I was going to color it with a dark enough color that you won’t be able to tel that it was slightly less white to start with.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

You can but make sure that you add a little less milk or water to account for the extra moisture that the food coloring will bring. Because if you do not your icing will be too runny.

My icing is too thin, what should I do?

If you notice that your icing is too thin you can always add a little more powdered sugar to counteract the liquid in the recipe.

What other flavorings can I add to my cookie icing recipe that hardens instead of vanilla?

The possibilities are truly endless, as long as you chose a clear extract if you want to keep your extra white colored icing. Here are some other flavor ideas:

• Coconut extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract or even less because it is so strong.
• lemon extract

How long does the drying process take for the icing?

This will depend on how thin or thick you make your icing. But it will range between a few hours to a whole 24 hours. To be safe, make a trial cookie and see how long it takes for that on to set and assess how long it will take for the others ones. Make sure not to poke your finger on there to not mess up the surface of the icing.

How long can I store iced sugar cookies?

Once the icing on top of your cookies has set and has hardened you can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to separate layers of cookies with parchment paper or wax paper to really be on the safe side and avoid any messes. I know you worked so hard on your cookies so taking this extra step will avoid you having any bad surprises.

Easy sugar cookie icing recipe that hardens.

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