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The Ultimate Sugar Cookie Icing Recipe That Dries Firm and Glossy

Close-up of sugar cookies decorated with bright pink glaze and white piped icing border made with our sugar cookie icing recipe.
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Make professional-looking sugar cookies with this easy recipe for icing that hardens perfectly. This smooth, glossy frosting sets solid, making it ideal for cut-out cookies and detailed decorating.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 to 8 tablespoons water (or milk)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder until fully combined.
  2. Add the vanilla extract and 6 tablespoons of water to the dry ingredients.
  3. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on low speed until the ingredients are just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 3 to 5 minutes until the icing is smooth and holds medium peaks. This consistency is known as ‘piping consistency.’
  5. If the icing is too thick to pipe easily, add water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired flow. If it is too thin, add a small amount of sifted powdered sugar.
  6. To achieve a thinner ‘flooding consistency’ for filling in large areas, add 1 to 2 teaspoons more water until the icing slowly drizzles off a spoon in a continuous stream.
  7. Color the icing using gel food coloring, if desired.
  8. Use the icing immediately for outlining and flooding your sugar cookies. Allow the first layer to dry completely before adding details.
  9. Let the decorated cookies sit uncovered at room temperature for several hours, or overnight, until the icing sets completely hard and glossy.

Notes

  • For a professional, glossy finish that hardens completely, meringue powder is key; it acts as a stabilizer, similar to traditional royal icing.
  • If you skip the meringue powder, your icing may remain soft or sticky.
  • To store leftover icing, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Do not refrigerate, as this can cause the icing to weep.
  • If you need to thin the icing for flooding, use water sparingly. Too much liquid prevents the icing from setting hard.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/sugar-cookie-icing-recipe-sets-hard/