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Easy Glossy Sugar Cookie Icing That Dries Hard

Close-up of a soft sugar cookie topped with thick, glossy white sugar cookie icing.
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Create smooth, glossy icing that sets firm for decorated sugar cookies. This simple recipe uses common ingredients to make stackable, durable holiday cookies.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (optional, for pure white color)
  • 1–2 teaspoons water (for thinning, if needed)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extracts.
  2. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer until the ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix at this stage.
  3. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 3 to 5 minutes until the icing is completely smooth and glossy. This mixing develops the shine.
  4. Test the consistency. For outlining, the icing should hold a soft peak when lifted. For flooding, it should flow slowly off the mixer beater, leaving a trail that disappears in about 10 seconds (the 10-second ribbon test).
  5. If the icing is too thick for flooding, add water, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until the desired consistency is reached.
  6. Divide the icing into separate bowls for coloring, if desired. Add gel food coloring sparingly and mix until uniform.
  7. Use the icing immediately for outlining your sugar cookies. Let the outline dry for 15 to 30 minutes until firm to the touch.
  8. Thin remaining icing slightly with a few drops of water if necessary, then use it to flood the outlined areas.
  9. Allow the cookies to dry completely at room temperature for several hours, or overnight, until the icing is hard and stackable.

Notes

  • For a pure white, glossy finish, use clear vanilla extract instead of standard vanilla.
  • If you need the icing to dry faster, you can place cookies in front of a small fan while they set.
  • This recipe makes enough icing for approximately 24 medium-sized cookies, depending on coverage.
  • Store unused icing covered tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a crust from forming.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/sugar-cookie-icing-recipe-dries-hard/