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Glossy Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens Completely

Close-up of a heart-shaped sugar cookie with shiny pink and blue sugar cookie icing that hardens, topped with sprinkles.
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Make bakery-style sugar cookie icing that dries hard, smooth, and glossy. This recipe is perfect for decorated cookies that need to be stacked or gifted.

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. Place the sifted powdered sugar into a medium bowl.
  2. Add the milk, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract to the sugar.
  3. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth. If the icing is too thick for flooding, add milk half a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  4. If you plan to outline and flood, separate the icing into smaller bowls for coloring. Add gel food coloring one drop at a time, mixing until the color is uniform.
  5. Use the icing immediately for outlining cookies. Let the outline set for 5 to 10 minutes.
  6. Flood the outlined areas with the thinner icing. Gently tap the cookie on the counter to release air bubbles.
  7. Allow the cookies to air dry completely. This icing will harden to a firm, glossy finish, usually within 4 to 8 hours, depending on humidity.

Notes

  • For a very firm, fast-drying icing, substitute 1 teaspoon of meringue powder for 1/2 teaspoon of corn syrup.
  • If the icing becomes too thick while working, stir in a few drops of water or milk to thin it slightly.
  • To make the icing dry faster, place the decorated cookies in front of a small fan while they set.

Nutrition

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