Sugar Cookie Icing that's Easier to Make and Foolproof

This sugar cookie icing recipe is firm, stackable, and flavorful! My version uses just 4 simple ingredients (no meringue powder!) and can be colored and piped in minutes.
Recipe: sugarspunrun.com/sugar-cookie...
Ingredients
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (375g) (weigh before sifting)
3-4 Tablespoons milk (I use whole milk, but any kind will work)
2 Tablespoons light corn syrup (see note)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Gel food coloring (optional)
Additional candies and sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Sugar Cookie Recipe: sugarspunrun.com/easy-sugar-c...
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Piping Bags (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/2JAPSvk
Instructions
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Combine powdered sugar, 2 Tablespoons of milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl and stir until combined. If frosting is too thick, add more milk, about a teaspoon at a time, until the frosting is thick but pipeable. If you accidentally add too much milk, add powdered sugar until desired texture is reached.
03:31 If coloring the frosting, divide into bowls and color as desired at this point.
04:23 Transfer frosting to a piping bag with a piping tip (I used Wilton 4), or place in a Ziploc bag and snip a small piece of the corner off (not as neat, but this will still work, just take care that the frosting isn’t so thick that it breaks open the seam of the bag when you are squeezing).
05:14 Pipe frosting on cookies and decorate with decorative candies, if desired.
07:09 Allow frosting to harden before enjoying, stacking, or storing (this took several hours for me and may vary for you depending on the consistency of your frosting).
Notes
Corn Syrup
I highly recommend using light corn syrup for the firmest, glossiest finish on your sugar cookies. However, if you must omit it, you may, but note that the frosting will not dry quite as hard and you will likely need to add more milk to get the icing to the proper consistency. Glucose syrup may be substituted, but outside of that I am not sure of a substitute that would give the same effect.
Making Frosting in Advance
To make icing in advance, store in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface of the icing. It will keep for several days and may be stored either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Icing will need to be stirred again before using. It may be colored with food coloring before or after storing.
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[@medikate9841]

Just finished cookies for my daughter’s class tomorrow. You weren’t wrong this is a fool proof recipe. It turned out perfect the first try and that never happens for me. The alligator cookies I made look great, this will be my go to recipe forever!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so glad it turned out so well for you! :)

[@greenleavesofsummer9673]

I didn’t know that about corn syrup. I’ve been looking for this kind of icing recipe FOR A LONG TIME. Thanks again!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it!

[@BeeBumBuzz]

If you dont have corn syrup, you can actually use honey as well.

[@ummahmedca]

Going to make my small batch sugar cookie recipe and use this icing for decorating with my 5 yr old granddaughter. She loves to bake and decorate whenever she can.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Have fun!

[@melissaladow4473]

Thank you, I don’t have a steady hand for decorating, so I appreciate not having to outline and then flood the cookie. Much less complicated!

[@SugarSpunRun]

You’re welcome! I’m glad it was helpful! 😊

[@hanoverfist6176]

The drinking glass hack to fill the bag is golden! It was a "why'd I never think of that?" moment! Thanks!

[@tiffanyarden1124]

This icing turned out perfectly, thank you so much for sharing it!

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@marycardenas1849]

This was very helpful as this was my first time making icing and sugar cookies from scratch. Loved the tip for using a glass to get the icing into the bag! That definitely worked! The video presentation was easy to follow. The part about the consistency was also so helpful. My granddaughter had a great time helping! Thanks for sharing!

[@Idkwhatdoyouthink-p2v]

Thank you for showing how the icing was stackable without getting damaged. I was specifically worried about this. 😊

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! Just make sure it dries completely first. :)

[@evelynchavez2931]

This is a great icing and works exactly as she says. I love using this recipe

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so glad you enjoy it so much! :)

[@janet3297]

Tried this recipe tonight for our family annual cookie decorating party, turned out great & tasty!! Thxs so much!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Yay! I'm so glad everyone enjoyed it! :)

[@cwp2614]

Totally happy to finally have this recipe. Thanks for your well done presentation.🎄🎄🎄

[@SugarSpunRun]

Enjoy! :)

[@vickigonya9432]

He is the most precious lil guy!!!

[@MelCarter9]

Love Sugar Spun Run recipes, especially your homemade biscuits. I will definitely try this one as well.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much! I hope you love this one!

[@loridones9752]

I've been looking for this kind of recipe too!! Thank you!!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! Enjoy! :)

[@brendamendoza1228]

This is an awesome recipe and very tasty too. Thank you for sharing! You have the best food critic right there on your hip!❤️ HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! I hope you love it! He seems to not be too particular if there’s a cookie involved. 🤣🤣

[@marysanchez9496]

Thank you so much🎄Canr wait to try this🎁God bless you and your family 🙏🙌

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! :)

[@lisad.3247]

I will definitely try this recipe for my Sugar Cookies. Great video. Thank you for sharing! ❤💚

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! :)

[@Harvesting4Christ]

Thank you for making this so easy and simple.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Glad it was helpful!

[@reneebanbury7066]

Can’t wait to try this recipe!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! 😊

[@thehappycrow1843]

Perfect timing!! Going to make super cookies next week!! And some ginger bread brownies!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it!

[@lacretiastarr]

Thank you, thank you for this. I really was not looking forward to making royal icing haha. This is perfect♡

[@SugarSpunRun]

You'll like this one so much better ❤️

[@Maryannna40]

This is the best icing recipe ever. Thank you so much for explaining to to thin or thick it up.

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@mikkimikki5376]

You came on just in time to help me answer various questions about this pretty frosting. 🤗✨😇✨💓

[@SugarSpunRun]

Glad it was helpful!

[@beegenuine1478]

This is an excellent recipe! Super tasty and easy to make, thank you for sharing!!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!!😊😊

[@jeanniebrooks]

Great technique, great recipe, great teaching, great results! You are awesome,

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much!

[@LiVeLaUgHLoVe437]

Wow. The drinking glass hack is going to be a life changer for me! Thanks!

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! Enjoy! :)

[@Missingonesmatter]

I always make my grandma’s sugar cookie recipe for Christmas in hopes it will make the holiday easier. I made them last year and I made a buttercream for them. It was good but also really sweet. I’m excited to try this.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it!

[@Cbbnlife]

My go to favourite. Thank you❤

[@SugarSpunRun]

I’m glad you enjoy it! 😊

[@saralozoya6203]

Definitely easy going recipe will be trying it soon

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! 😊

[@karenbalkaranali4739]

Absolutely amazing for my son end of term christmas class party.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope everyone loves it!

[@aliyahp9969]

Tested researched and perfected that's why I love her recipes 😁😁😁😁

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! :)

[@conniegnesda9720]

I tried this icing and it is great! Thanks for the recipe!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@joanneogley4874]

You make it look so easy, so I will give it a go, cheers

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! 😊

[@cherokeedancer8448]

Just happened onto your channel. I'm baking sugar cookies tomorrow and will definitely try this recipe. Thank you 🎄 and Merry Christmas!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! Merry Christmas! :)

[@chefkhan1555]

I love your recipe it’s help me a lot at my work thank you and bless you

[@SugarSpunRun]

My pleasure 😊

[@nobodynohow8039]

My siblings and I like to use lemon or orange extract rather than vanilla. Great video-thanks!

[@karenrio7314]

these are great tips!!!! thank you!

[@SugarSpunRun]

You’re welcome!

[@SisterShirley]

Really good recipe but your son stole the show! What a wonderful boy. And so sweet.

[@SugarSpunRun]

😂 Thank you!

[@Javaman92]

I sometimes feel like you made the video just for me. LOL Yeah I'll just roll with that. ;-) I will probably give these cookies and frosting a try. I guess I better order the shapes soon if I want them for our Christmas! Another awesome video!

[@mariannekennedy4548]

Thank You. I'm going to try it tonight 😃

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! :)

[@mmakomanyatja5213]

That help a lot Sam thank you bless to you nd your family

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you!

[@levernelogan4914]

I love this thank you so much

[@SugarSpunRun]

You’re welcome! Enjoy!

[@ennelle2024]

Using you bag straight up and down also gives more control so you can get right up to edges. If not, use your scribe to get all the way to edges. It always looks cleaner and neater

[@Zeropatience1]

Love it and simple to make, thank you for sharing and have a wonderful day. :-)

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! 😊

[@Mimi-dm2po]

I have been looking everywhere and then I found this ! Thanks for sharinggg

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! Enjoy! :)

[@kms9724]

beautiful 😊

[@ruthannebarclay8625]

Thank you! Similar to my receipe, I'm going to try the corn syrup. Mine calls for veg oil. Yours look great!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! :)

[@donnihatcher2679]

Try a danish dough hook, mixes like a whisk but doesn’t bog down. Plus the handle is wooden and strong. Love this recipe!! Thanks for adding sift after you measure! ❤

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'll have to get one and try it! I hope you love the icing. :)

[@gnmrsmuir]

Cookie day for me today. Thank you for this helpful video!

[@buckskinboy]

I have to tell you that this is the bomb! The icing was easy and flavorful (I used Almond flavoring). It took a while to get the consistency just right, but after was nice to use and easy to decorate. Plus I tend to shy away from the raw egg whites in the Royal icing. Thanks for you recipe. Keep up the great work.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so happy you like it!

[@lillykornacki1087]

Thank you for sharing 👏

[@tonyayoung5462]

I'm a beginner and I definitely will try this out...seems easier than some of the others I have seen.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! :)

[@teresa505]

I can't wait to try this!!! 😋 Thanks for the recipe.❤

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love them! 😊

[@shirleymorgan9254]

New to your channel, thank you for the icing recipe. Thank you for sharing.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Welcome to the channel! Enjoy! :)

[@molly_jean]

Great video...Thank you!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Glad you liked it!

[@teresagutierrez8669]

Seems easy enough. Thank you

[@SugarSpunRun]

You’re welcome 😊

[@sarafladeland102]

Yayyyy I'm trying this tonight :)

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! :)

[@Myworldd963]

You are so professional. I have tried and I put my short videos on my KZbin channel.❤

[@cheryl7198]

Thank you so much!!!!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

You’re welcome!!

[@Rowehouse1819]

I'm going to put this to the test!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it!

[@Noulika]

I will try this recipe,I didn't want icing with egg white and extra white color.thank you so much! Happy holidays 🎄☃️✨

[@SugarSpunRun]

Hope you enjoy it! Happy holidays!

[@sergecrevier4196]

Hello Sam. - So, if I want to do lots of decorations on my cookies of different colors, I can still do it with this icing BUT, I will have to wait till each color sets? Is that right? For example, a Xmas tree ( Green ) with garland ( White ) over the Green & Xmax ornaments in 2 - 3 other colors. Thank you. ♥ EDIT: 12-10, I made some Gingerbread cookies following your recipe also & made that icing. It harden/dried pretty quickly, so it was easy to put all the colors in the end. I wish I could share a pic of them. they look pretty good for a first-timer.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Sorry I didn't catch this earlier! As you found it starts to set quickly enough that it's not a super long process. You can always tag me on Instagram if you have one. I love seeing pictures. :) @Sugarspun_Sam

[@vickigonya9432]

Thank you so much❤😂😊

[@dhoward5941]

Your assistant or should I say quality control is very cute! Thank you for the recipe! What was the other recipe that you were talking about for more detail?

[@sallyshields6553]

Wonderful video!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you very much!

[@pennyjenkins7519]

Thanks for sharing this recipe and that gorgeous little young man I think I'm going to have to try this

[@SugarSpunRun]

You’re welcome! I hope you love it!!

[@ashleyadams6803]

Nice video! First time watching, your cookies are very pretty! I’ve subscribed, your little guy is darling!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much! I hope you love all of the videos! :)

[@smiller6925]

your lil boy is so cuuuute

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you 🥰

[@ruthtepin2130]

My sugar cookie icing which I got from my mom just uses powdered sugar and milk. The consistency is the same and it spreads easily. I may consider adding vanilla after watching this.

[@SugarSpunRun]

It adds a little extra flavor. I hope you like it! :)

[@suesullivan-miller887]

Great tip!!!🥰🥰🥰👌

[@SugarSpunRun]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mariaanderson6413]

Thanks

[@francietryon9579]

A darning needle works well for a scribe tool as well.

[@kiki83doll]

I bake roll-out sugar cookies every year as requested by my family but I may also try your recipe this year . 🤔

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you do and love it!

[@MsLuckynona]

hi how did you make your cookie so flat and very sharp% thanks so much for sharing..really appreciate it.

[@kathybray7156]

Thanks mini slways were essed up ❤

[@lindanitzschke1315]

Good tips, but I'd like to try this with extra creamy oat milk instead of milk, and I would use almond extract instead of vanilla. I use the almond extract in my whipped cream frosting that I frost my chocolate angel food cake, and it just really adds something special to an already quite special cake. (Some years ago, big-name cake mix makers had a chocolate angel food mix, but it the cake it made wasn't nearly as good as that which one makes on their own using a 2-stop angel food mix...which is getting harder to find these days, too...the major brands don't seem to make a 2-step mix anymore.)

[@michellecastro2475]

Ty for sharing. Going to try this recipe with my little one. We did it 2 years in a row making cookies and have yet to find the right icing that isn't so sweet.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love this one! :)

[@asugarholicslife]

Seeing this makes me want to do this with my kids with them being fancy.

[@SugarSpunRun]

It’s a lot of fun!

[@lesleebarrow7317]

I have used this type of icing for quite a while and like it much better than royal icing.

[@SugarSpunRun]

It is soooo much easier too! : )

[@711yada]

Always add a pinch of salt to give the icing flavor depth. 😉👍🏻

[@meredithchildress8001]

This sounds perfect. I'm planning to make a gingerbread house and I don't want to use Royal icing. No one mentioned whether this icing will hold a house together, but I'm going to try!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I do recommend royal icing for gingerbread houses, but I hope it works for you!

[@marianieves1042]

I have tried this method before but never got the right consistency. Will be try this on my Christmas cookies. Thanks

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! It's easy to adjust by adding more sugar or milk depending on the consistency you are looking for. :)

[@Gracevictoria__]

Hi Sam ! Could you drop a link to the recipe for cookies?

[@denisedale6205]

Thank you so much for this! I’ve decorated in the past & sent them to my son’s work…he told me that the icing ruined the taste of the cookie & they all went in the trash…that’s too much work for that to happen….I will definitely give this a try

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope everyone loves it! 😊

[@nobodynohow8039]

Try lemon or orange extract instead of vanilla.

[@ilovehotmoms5804]

That makes me so sad.. I bet you they were delicious Denise 💗 best of luck making your cookies I hope they turn out great

[@lw955]

What's the difference between your corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup?

[@vickigonya9432]

The glass is a great tip!! 😂 I cant wait to try this. My cookies end up looking like my dog did it😂

[@SugarSpunRun]

🤣

[@stacystoltz8722]

Socute Cook iesfor Christmas

[@natalienatalie1]

I would really get some reusable pipping bags - They work wonders!!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Great idea! I’ll have to get some. 😊

[@valerieirvin249]

The liquid food color works the same. 👍 Did a comparison.... 😀

[@SugarSpunRun]

Oh good, it’s never quite vibrant enough for me.

[@Lori-sb3zb]

Can you use butter or almond flavoring?

[@chowthetabs]

I use a glaze recipe similar to this, only with water and no corn syrup. Ive used the recipe for a year plus, and just recently the cookies dry with huge "waves". I don't know what Is wrong, and usually I let them dry overnight but the last few times even that wasn't enough time to dry them! Any tips?

[@erzauchiwa3230]

Hi I tried without cornsyrup and it looks good tbh 😅

[@Java-xs3zj]

Can i dry these cookies on refrigerator

[@RolandaThane]

Can I write words on the cookie with this icing as well or do you recommend doing something different? If so, what would you recommend for the writing part?

[@saishamprithaaponnusamy7652]

Can I use this icing to write a few words?

[@dianekrecisz9599]

Can I use an electric mixer on low? I have arthritis and it would be hard for me to mix by hand. Love the simplicity of this recipe. Thanks for sharing.

[@CPCP-uz9ht]

I have used an electric mixer for decorator icing.

[@betsybookie]

Did this last night, and it went great! Definitely go slowly when decorating if you are used to using royal icing on cookies. But so much easier than royal icing! Question: could lemon juice or other flavorful liquid be used in place of milk? Trying to cut the sweetness a little.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! You can use lemon juice instead. It will impart a bit of the lemon flavor though so just be aware of that. :)

[@betsybookie]

I did try it with fresh squeezed lemon juice AND added some lemon zest. It turned out delicious! The tart with the sweet icing and the sweet cookie was really special. Then I tried the same thing with lime, and then cranberry juice (no zest there, just 100% cranberry juice from Ocean Spray). These are all tart flavors so they came out great. I made lime-flavored Christmas trees (added some green), lemon-flavored snow men, and cranberry-flavored bells (added some red)!

[@rach_just_rach]

Thank you, I always intimidated by decorative icing. Two questions please: Do you have to refrigerate these due to milk? If not how long are they good for sitting out?

[@SugarSpunRun]

They don't need to be refrigerated. The sugar stabilizes the milk here. They are good for about a week in an air tight container at room temperature. :)

[@laurieclarkson9180]

Thank you so much! We got an elephant cookie cutter and we're going to make red, white, and blue icing and uh...P*ss off a few family members this Christmas :) Happy Holidays! Looking forward to more delicious recipes! I know I can always trust yours!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Haha. I hope everyone enjoys them!

[@kylamanzano2288]

Aloha! 2 questions, 1. Can the icing be made ahead and put it freezer, if so for how long? 2. How much cookies can you cover with one batch? Mahalo in advance!

[@user-lx9fc4hf6o]

i have piping set, and can not wait to use it. Tracey from Austin Texas

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you have a lot of fun! :)