Cookie Icing Recipe

Active Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

10 mins

Yield:

1 cup

Use this simple, stir-together cookie icing recipe to create vibrantly decorated designs on all sorts of cookies. Made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, it’s bright, glossy, and luscious. When allowed to sit, the cooking icing develops a sugary crust and hardened finish similar to a royal icing, but much easier to make.

Adjust the consistency based on the effect you want to create. Be careful though, as a splash of milk can take this icing from thick to runny; add it gradually to achieve the right consistency for your needs.

To check the icing for your desired thickness, drizzle a bit over the surface of the remaining icing in the bowl. Count the seconds it takes for that ribbon to meld back into the rest of the icing. For pipeable frosting for decorating, this should take about 15 seconds. For dippable glaze, aim for 8 to 10 seconds.

Learn how to make cookie icing, and get ready for all kinds of fun cookie decorating to ensue.

Royal Icing vs. Cookie Icing

While cookie icing and royal icing are both made with powdered sugar, royal icing typically includes egg whites or meringue powder to help it to dry to a smooth, hard finish. Cookie icing encompasses a range of icings used for decorating cookies, sometimes with different types of liquids in the mix, and often sets up a bit softer than royal icing.

Ingredients for Cookie Icing

Five staple ingredients come together for the perfect glossy topping. With powdered sugar for sweetness, milk for a smooth texture, corn syrup for shine, and vanilla and salt for flavor, you'll be amazed at how simple and flavorful icing can be. To make this cookie icing, you'll need:

Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily into the icing for a sweet, luscious flavor.
Light corn syrup: For a glossy finish and to improve the consistency of the icing when set.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth, enhancing the flavor of the icing. Use clear vanilla if looking for a bright white color.
Kosher salt: Salt plays a big role, balancing the sweetness of the icing.
Whole milk: Liquid used to achieve your desired consistency. Can be substituted with water, if needed, but the taste may be altered.

How To Make Cookie Icing

Don't bother pulling out that mixer—a quick mix by hand is all that's needed to bring together this cookie icing:

Step 1. Combine ingredients: Stir together powdered sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, salt, and 3 tablespoons milk.
Step 2. Adjust consistency: Add remaining milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

How Do I Color Cookie Icing?

Cookie icing can be colored as light or dark as desired, and in any shade. If you're looking to match a specific color scheme (say for a wedding or baby shower), note that the icing will deepen slightly in color as it dries.

For the most vibrant cookie icing, use food coloring gel instead of liquid coloring. Gel color is more potent and thicker than liquid color, and can offer deep color without thinning the consistency of the icing.

How To Adjust the Consistency of Cookie Icing

The consistency of cookie icing can be adjusted based on your design plans. For outlining or detailed work, start with a thicker version of the icing. For flooding or spreading onto cookies, thin the remaining icing with additional milk, mixing in a small splash at a time to avoid going too far. Test the consistency on a spare cookie or scrap of parchment paper before using.

Complicated cookie designs or decorating with the whole family? Bag up thicker icing in a variety of shades, clipping or tying the back of the piping bags to seal, then create bags of thinner icing in a variety of colors. Everyone will have exactly what they need to get the job done.

How Long Does Cookie Icing Take To Dry?

While this type of cookie icing might set within 30 minutes, it may take a few hours, or more, to dry fully. The thickness of the icing will determine its drying time. To decorate with multiple layers of icing, let the base color dry for at least 30 minutes before topping with additional layers of icing.

Can Cookie Icing Be Made Ahead?

Cookie icing can be prepared up to one week in advance, and stored in an airtight container or sealed piping bag in the refrigerator. If storing in an airtight container, place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the icing to help prevent a skin from forming. Bring to room temperature before using.

Cookie Recipes To Pair With Cookie Icing

You can never go wrong with custom cookies, whether you're icing holiday cookies for Easter, Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine's Day, or decorating themed cookies for a birthday or shower. Here are some of our favorite designs for multiple occasions:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

3 cups powdered sugar
3 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract (clear, if possible)
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
3-4 Tbsp. whole milk, divided

Directions

Combine sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, salt, and milk:

Stir together powdered sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, salt, and 3 tablespoons of the milk in a medium bowl until combined.
Add more milk if needed:

Stir in up to remaining 1 tablespoon milk, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cookie icing dry hard?

Cookie icing may take longer to set than royal icing, but it will dry firm over time. To err on the side of caution, allow the cookies to dry overnight if packaging.
What's the difference between frosting and icing on cookies?

Frosting typically contains butter, is thicker and more creamy in texture, and doesn't set firm in the same way that icing does.

Learn More: What Is The Difference Between Icing And Frosting?
How do I fix mistakes or smudges in cookie icing?

If you notice a mistake or smudge while decorating, cookie icing can be wiped off or moved around with a toothpick or small brush. If the icing has started to set, scrape off the mistake with a small knife, then ice again. If needed, you can also cover the mistake with another layer of icing once set.
What's the best way to transport cookies with icing?

Allow the cookies to dry overnight before transporting. Once the cookies are dry, stack between layers of parchment paper in a sturdy container, or package into individual cellophane bags. Avoid hot temperatures and too much sunlight to keep the color and designs intact.