If you’re looking to decorate your sugar cookies with beautiful, smooth icing that dries hard and holds its shape, then this Easy Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens is the perfect recipe for you! Whether you’re making cookies for a holiday, a party, or just a fun baking session, this icing will give your cookies a professional finish that stays intact. It’s sweet, simple, and easy to make, and it’s the perfect consistency for piping and flooding your cookies.

What makes this icing so special is that it hardens completely after drying, leaving you with a crisp, glossy finish that’s perfect for decorating intricate designs or just adding a splash of color to your cookies. It’s also versatile, as you can color it with gel food coloring and use it for a variety of designs, from basic outlines to intricate patterns.

I first made this Easy Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens when I wanted a quick and reliable way to decorate cookies that would stay intact for gifting and storage. After experimenting, I found this simple recipe that works perfectly every time. It’s now my go-to icing for any cookie decorating!

Why This Easy Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens Will Be Your New Favorite

• Dries hard: This icing hardens completely after a few hours, making it perfect for cookie decorating and stacking without smudging.
• Glossy finish: The icing dries with a beautiful, glossy shine, giving your cookies a professional, polished look.
• Simple and easy: With just a few ingredients, this icing is quick and easy to make, saving you time while still providing great results.
• Customizable: You can add any color or flavor you like to make this icing your own. It’s perfect for all types of sugar cookies, from simple designs to intricate artwork.
• Perfect for decorating: The consistency is ideal for piping and flooding, making it the perfect icing for decorating holiday cookies or special treats.

What You Need For Easy Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens

• 1 egg white (or 2 tablespoons meringue powder)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 teaspoons water (add more if needed)
• Gel food coloring (optional, for coloring)

How to Make Easy Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens

1. Prepare the egg white or meringue powder:
   If using an egg white, beat it in a small bowl until frothy. If you’re using meringue powder, mix it with water according to the package instructions to create a meringue base.
2. Mix the ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, combine the egg white (or meringue powder mixture) with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine. Add water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The icing should be thick but still pipeable.
3. Color the icing (optional):
   If you’d like to color your icing, add a few drops of gel food coloring and stir until you reach your desired color. Gel food coloring works best because it doesn’t alter the consistency of the icing.
4. Prepare for piping:
   Once your icing is mixed and colored, transfer it to piping bags or squeeze bottles for decorating. For flooding, you may need to thin the icing slightly with a bit more water to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
5. Decorate your cookies:
   Pipe the icing onto your cookies in your desired design. Use a toothpick or scribe tool to spread the icing or create intricate patterns. If flooding, use the thinner consistency icing to cover the entire surface of the cookie.
6. Let the icing harden:
   Allow the icing to dry completely at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or overnight for the best results. The icing will harden and set, leaving you with beautifully decorated cookies.
7. Enjoy:
   Once the icing is dry, your cookies are ready to enjoy or package up for gifting!

Tips For Easy Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens

• Adjust consistency: If the icing is too thick, add a few more drops of water. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
• Piping tips: Use different piping tips for various effects, such as outlining, flooding, or creating fine details.
• Storage: If you have leftover icing, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Stir before using again.
• Drying time: Ensure the cookies are completely dry before stacking them. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan to circulate air.

Substitutions and Variations

• Dairy-free: This icing is naturally dairy-free if using meringue powder instead of egg whites. Check the meringue powder packaging for any specific dietary concerns.
• Flavored icing: For a twist on the classic, add a few drops of almond extract, lemon extract, or any flavoring you like to the icing for a unique taste.
• Royal icing alternative: This icing can also be used as a substitute for royal icing. The texture is slightly softer but still holds up well.

Make a Healthier Version

• Less sugar: You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar if you prefer a less sweet icing. Keep in mind this may affect the texture and how well the icing hardens.
• Natural coloring: Instead of using artificial gel food coloring, consider using natural food colorings made from vegetable juices or powders for a more natural approach.

Closing For Easy Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens

And there you have it! Easy Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens is the perfect solution for decorating your sugar cookies with a smooth, glossy finish that won’t smudge. Whether you’re making cookies for a holiday, a special occasion, or just for fun, this icing will help you achieve professional-looking results. Don’t forget to let us know how your decorated cookies turn out, and be sure to check out more of our easy and delicious cookie recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens

Can I make this icing ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this icing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before using again.

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
While you can use regular food coloring, gel food coloring works best because it doesn’t thin out the icing. Regular liquid food coloring might affect the consistency of the icing.

What is the difference between meringue powder and egg whites?
Meringue powder is a powdered version of egg whites that is pasteurized and more convenient. If you’re concerned about raw eggs, meringue powder is a great substitute.

How can I fix icing that’s too thick?
If your icing is too thick, simply add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency. For flooding, the icing should be slightly runnier than for outlining.

How long does it take for the icing to harden?
The icing typically takes about 4-6 hours to harden completely at room temperature. For best results, allow it to dry overnight.

Can I store cookies with this icing?
Yes, once the icing has hardened, you can store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature.

Can I use this icing for piping intricate designs?
Yes, this icing works great for piping detailed designs, outlines, and decorations. Use a fine piping tip for the best results.

Can I add flavor to this icing?
Yes, you can add flavoring extracts like vanilla, almond, or lemon extract to the icing for an extra flavor twist.

What should I do if the icing is too runny?
If the icing is too runny, simply add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time to thicken it up.

Can I use this icing for other baked goods?
Absolutely! This icing is versatile and can be used for decorating cookies, cakes, and even cupcakes.

Easy Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Cake, Chocolate, Dessert, Snacks

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 egg white (or 2 tablespoons meringue powder)

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2-3 teaspoons water (add more if needed)

• Gel food coloring (optional, for coloring)

Directions

• Prepare the egg white or meringue powder:
• If using an egg white, beat it in a small bowl until frothy. If you’re using meringue powder, mix it with water according to the package instructions to create a meringue base.
• Mix the ingredients:
• In a medium bowl, combine the egg white (or meringue powder mixture) with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine. Add water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The icing should be thick but still pipeable.
• Color the icing (optional):
• If you’d like to color your icing, add a few drops of gel food coloring and stir until you reach your desired color. Gel food coloring works best because it doesn’t alter the consistency of the icing.
• Prepare for piping:
• Once your icing is mixed and colored, transfer it to piping bags or squeeze bottles for decorating. For flooding, you may need to thin the icing slightly with a bit more water to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Decorate your cookies:
• Pipe the icing onto your cookies in your desired design. Use a toothpick or scribe tool to spread the icing or create intricate patterns. If flooding, use the thinner consistency icing to cover the entire surface of the cookie.
• Let the icing harden:
• Allow the icing to dry completely at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or overnight for the best results. The icing will harden and set, leaving you with beautifully decorated cookies.
• Enjoy:
• Once the icing is dry, your cookies are ready to enjoy or package up for gifting!