Description

This Sugar Cookie Icing recipe is a smooth, easy-to-make frosting perfect for decorating sugar cookies with luscious sweetness and customizable flavors. Made from simple pantry staples like powdered sugar, butter or shortening, milk or cream, and vanilla extract, it offers the perfect consistency for spreading or piping. Ideal for holidays, parties, or everyday treats, this versatile icing holds firm without cracking and can be tailored with natural colorings or extracts to suit any occasion or dietary need.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups powdered sugar (ensure gluten-free if needed)
1/4 cup butter or shortening, softened
2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure out the powdered sugar, butter or shortening, and liquid ingredients carefully. Use softened butter at room temperature for easier mixing and creamier texture.
Beat Butter Until Soft: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed to avoid creating a sugar cloud. Continue mixing until well combined and creamy.
Add Milk and Vanilla: Pour in milk or cream a little at a time along with vanilla extract, beating the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency—smooth and spreadable or firm enough to pipe.
Add Food Coloring (Optional): If you want colored icing, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly until the color is even.
Decorate Your Cookies: Use a knife or piping bag to generously and smoothly apply the icing to cooled sugar cookies. Let the icing set at room temperature before serving or packing.

Notes

Use room temperature butter to ensure smooth mixing without lumps.
Add powdered sugar slowly to avoid creating a sugar cloud.
Adjust liquid amounts gradually for perfect spreading or piping consistency.
Use fresh vanilla or other extracts for enhanced flavor.
Let iced cookies dry fully at room temperature before stacking or storing to prevent cracking.
This icing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week and can be frozen for 2-3 months.
Re-whip the icing after refrigeration or thawing to restore smoothness before using.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 90
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 10mg
Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 8mg