How to make icing sugar for cookies

Make the most delicious sugar cooking icing with only two ingredients! This super simple recipe is made without corn syrup. You can make it as thick (think multi-colored decorating) or thin (think glaze) as you like!

If you like this recipe for your cookies, you’ll also love this lemon cream cheese frosting or chocolate icing recipe for your cakes.

How to make icing sugar for cookies

The Easiest Icing Ever!

Many holidays call for sugar cookies in a variety of shapes and sizes. When you get that itch to roll out the dough, first start with this sugar cookie recipe. (It’s the best.) Once you have your cookies cooled, all you need is two – yes, two – ingredients to make delicious icing for your cookies.

You start with the simple ingredients of powdered sugar and milk.  And, of course, make sure you have your sugar cookies baked and cooled.

How to make icing sugar for cookies
  1. Mix: Combine the powdered sugar and milk by mixing with a fork until smooth.  The powdered sugar will dissolve as you stir.
  2. Color:  Add your favorite food coloring (optional) to create unique colors for your cookies.
  3. Pipe: Using an icing bag or even a sandwich bag, pipe the icing onto your cooled cookies. Use a knife to spread.
How to make icing sugar for cookies

Icing Tips and Tricks

Make your icing thicker. If you want your icing to be thicker, add more powdered sugar and stir.

Make your icing more thin (like a glaze). Add more milk. Just a little bit goes a long way!

Make your icing right before you use it. This icing does start to dry out and harden, which is what makes it so great for cookies! That being said, if you make it too far ahead of time, it will start to harden and make it much harder to add to the cookies.

How to pipe without a piping bag. I use sandwich bags! Fill a sandwich bag with icing after adding the food coloring. Seal the sandwich bag. Snip the corner and pipe onto cookies.

How to make icing sugar for cookies

Icing FAQs

Does this icing harden?

Yes! If you use the exact recipe, the milk will evaporate and harden. It’s not super hard but creates a thick outer crust to allow you to stack your dried cookies.

How do I store the cookies once I’ve added the icing?

Once the icing has hardened, I store them in a large rectangular food storage container with a layer of wax paper between each layer of cookies.

Can you freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can. However, the darker colors added to the icing will discolor after freezing. That’s why I recommend freezing your cookies without icing. Then add icing to the cookies once defrosted and ready to serve.

Do I need to refrigerate the cookies after I add the icing?

No. The cookies with icing are fine at room temperature stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Can I add vanilla extract to the frosting for my little vanilla fan?

Yes. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla and add more to taste.

What kind of milk should I use for this recipe?

I use 2% of whole milk with success. I would avoid using skim.

Watch How Easy It Is To Make This Icing

How to make icing sugar for cookies


Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 3 minutes

Make the most delicious sugar cooking icing with only two ingredients! This super simple recipe is made without corn syrup. You can make it as thick (think multi-colored decorating) or thin (think glaze) as you like!

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 4 teaspoons milk

  • Mix: Combine the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl by mixing with a fork until smooth.  The powdered sugar will dissolve as you stir.https://vimeo.com/547585555

  • Color:  Add your favorite food coloring (optional) to create unique colors for your cookies.https://vimeo.com/547585771

  • Pipe: Using an icing bag or even a sandwich bag, pipe the icing onto your cooled cookies. Use a knife to spread.https://vimeo.com/547586008

Make your icing thicker. If you want your icing to be thicker, add more powdered sugar and stir.

Make your icing more like a glaze. Add more milk. Just a little bit goes a long way!

How to pipe without a piping bag. I use sandwich bags! Fill a sandwich bag with icing after adding the food coloring. Seal the sandwich bag. Snip the corner and pipe onto cookies.

Make your icing right before you use it. This icing does start to dry out and harden, which is what makes it so great for cookies! That being said, if you make it too far ahead of time, it will start to harden and make it much harder to add to the cookies.

Serving: 1Tablespoon | Calories: 12kcal | Carbohydrates: 126g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 30mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 32IU | Calcium: 25mg

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More Cookies Recipes to Try

  • Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
  • The Microwave Easy Way to Make Chocolate Covered Pretzels
  • Grandma’s Brickle Cookies
  • The Best Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

This post was updated with more details and pictures. The recipe remains the same.

How to make icing sugar for cookies

Created by Lynette

Lynette is the home cook, recipe tester and photographer for Cleverly Simple which she created in 2010.  Most of her recipes come from the treasured recipe box passed down from her great-grandma, grandmother, and mother.

Lynette’s recipes and projects have been featured in Country Living, Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful and others.

Reader Interactions

What is the frosting on sugar cookies made of?

Easy Sugar Cookie Icing 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.

What type of icing is best for cookies?

Royal icing is probably the most popular icing for decorating cookies. Made using egg whites or meringue powder, royal icing dries hard, making it a fabulous option for cookies you plan to package or mail. It's most often used for outlining and “flooding”, or filling in, cookie designs.