Creating beautifully decorated sugar cookies is a fun and rewarding activity, especially during the holiday season. The secret to perfectly decorated cookies lies in the icing. This article will guide you through the best sugar cookie icing recipe for hardening, ensuring your cookies not only taste great but also look professionally decorated.
Why This Icing Recipe is the Best
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Perfect Consistency: The icing hardens perfectly, making it ideal for detailed designs and stacking.
- Delicious Flavor: Unlike some hardening icings, this one doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a different flavor)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Add Corn Syrup and Flavoring: Stir in the corn syrup and vanilla extract. The corn syrup helps the icing to harden with a shiny finish.
- Adjust Consistency: If the icing is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. For thicker icing (outlining), you want it to be similar to toothpaste. For thinner icing (flooding), it should be more like corn syrup.
- Add Color: Divide the icing into separate bowls if you want multiple colors. Add food coloring as desired and mix well.
- Ice the Cookies: Use a piping bag or a squeeze bottle to outline the cookies with the thicker icing. Then flood the inside with the thinner icing.
Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookie Icing
- Consistency is Key: The icing should be thick enough to outline the cookies but thin enough to flood and fill the spaces smoothly.
- Practice Patience: Allow the icing to set completely before stacking or packaging the cookies. This usually takes about 8-12 hours at room temperature.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid and won’t thin out your icing.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 50 per tablespoon of icing
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugar: 12g
Variations
- Flavored Icing: Substitute the vanilla extract with almond, lemon, or peppermint extract for a different flavor profile.
- Colored Icing: Use natural food coloring for a healthier option. Beet juice, spinach powder, and turmeric are great natural alternatives.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this icing ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this icing up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, bring it to room temperature and give it a good stir.
How do I store decorated cookies? Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. If stacking is necessary, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze decorated cookies? Yes, you can freeze decorated cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially. Once frozen, you can stack them in a container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
This best sugar cookie icing recipe for hardening is a game-changer for cookie decorating enthusiasts. Its ease of preparation, perfect consistency, and delicious taste make it the ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this icing will help you create stunning and tasty sugar cookies that everyone will love.
For the original recipe and more delicious ideas, visit Charm Recipes.