Christmas cookies are a staple of the holiday season, and nothing completes them like the perfect icing. Whether you’re decorating sugar cookies, gingerbread houses, or any other festive treat, this easy Christmas cookie icing recipe will give you that beautiful, glossy finish that hardens perfectly. Plus, it’s simple to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
This easy sugar cookie icing recipe is not only perfect for sugar cookies but also works wonderfully for gingerbread houses and other holiday treats. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have beautifully decorated Christmas cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Easy Christmas Cookie Icing
This recipe pairs perfectly with our sugar cookie recipe. If you’re looking for perfect cut-out Christmas cookies, ones that hold their shape and don’t spread in the oven, follow along with this tried and true recipe, and get creative with unique designs that represent you and your family.
Easy Christmas Cookie Icing Recipe That Hardens
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
- 2-3 Tablespoons Milk room temperature
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 Teaspoon Almond Extract optional
- Gel food coloring optional
text ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add a little bit of milk at a time until you reach the right consistency. The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to spread easily.2 Cups Powdered Sugar, 2-3 Tablespoons Milk
- Add Corn Syrup and Extracts: Stir in the light corn syrup and vanilla extract. The corn syrup helps the icing harden to a shiny, smooth finish. If using, add the almond extract for a hint of extra flavor.1 1/2 Tablespoons Light Corn Syrup, 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 1/4 Teaspoon Almond Extract
- Adjust Consistency: If the icing is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. The perfect icing should slowly drizzle off the spoon and smooth out within 10 seconds.
- Color Your Icing: Divide the icing into separate bowls if you want to use different colors. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl and mix until you achieve your desired shades. Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid as it won’t alter the consistency.Gel food coloring
- Prep for Decorating: Transfer the icing to squeeze bottles or piping bags fitted with a piping tip for easy and precise decorating. You can also use plastic wrap to cover any unused icing to keep it from drying out.
- Decorate Your Cookies: Pipe or spread the icing onto your sugar cookies. For intricate designs, use a piping tip. Allow the cookies to dry at room temperature in a single layer. The icing should harden completely in a few hours, making them perfect for stacking and storing.
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Tips for Recipe Success:
- Consistency is Key: Achieving the right consistency is crucial for perfect icing. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to spread smoothly. Adjust with powdered sugar or milk as needed.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh powdered sugar and light corn syrup will yield the best results. Avoid using old or clumpy powdered sugar.
- Store Properly: Store any leftover icing in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the top of the icing to prevent it from drying out. This icing can last for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Practice Patience: Let your decorated cookies dry completely before stacking or packaging them to avoid smudging the icing.
What is the difference between this sugar cookie icing and Royal icing?
This recipe is similar to royal icing but has some differences. Traditional royal icing typically uses raw egg whites or meringue powder to help it harden, while this recipe uses light corn syrup to achieve a similar effect.
Royal icing is often preferred for detailed decorations because it dries very hard and can be used for intricate designs and construction, like gingerbread houses. This easy Christmas cookie icing recipe is a simpler alternative that also hardens, making it great for decorating cookies with a glossy finish but without the need for egg whites or meringue powder.
You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.
great recipe for decorating Xmas cookies with the family