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Easy Sugar Cookie Icing Recipe That Dries Hard and Glossy

Close-up of soft sugar cookies topped with thick, glossy white icing from the sugar cookie icing recipe.
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This recipe provides a simple method for making smooth, glossy icing for sugar cookies that sets firmly, perfect for decorating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup meringue powder
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder.
  2. Add the warm water, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the dry ingredients.
  3. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the ingredients are just combined.
  4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is very smooth and stiff peaks form.
  5. Test the consistency: If the icing is too thick for piping, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For outlining, the icing should hold a stiff peak. For flooding, it should level itself slowly when a line is drawn through it.
  6. Color the icing using gel food coloring, if desired, mixing thoroughly until the color is uniform.
  7. Use immediately for decorating cookies. Allow decorated cookies to dry completely at room temperature for several hours until the icing is hard to the touch.

Notes

  • For a glossy finish, avoid over-beating once the icing is smooth, as this can incorporate too much air.
  • If you need a thinner glaze consistency, add more water, one half teaspoon at a time.
  • To make a no-corn-syrup variation, substitute the 1/2 cup of warm water with 1/4 cup warm water and 1/4 cup light corn syrup.
  • Store unused icing covered tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent drying.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/sugar-cookie-icing-recipe-hardens-glossy/