Print

Best cookie icing recipe: 4 Flawless secrets

cookie icing recipe
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This recipe gives you a simple, beginner-friendly cookie icing that dries firm and smooth. It is perfect for decorating cut-out sugar cookies that need to stack or be gifted, offering a reliable, glossy finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted
  • 4 tablespoons Meringue Powder
  • 6 tablespoons Warm Water
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (or desired flavoring)
  • Food Coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder until fully combined.
  2. Add the warm water and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  3. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined, then increase to medium speed and beat for 3 to 5 minutes until the icing is smooth, glossy, and holds stiff peaks.
  4. Check the consistency. For outlining, the icing should be quite thick. For flooding, add water one teaspoon at a time until the icing flows smoothly off the whisk and settles back into the bowl within 10 seconds.
  5. Divide the icing into separate bowls if you plan to use multiple colors. Add gel food coloring one drop at a time, mixing thoroughly.
  6. Use the icing immediately or cover it tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent hardening.
  7. Apply the icing to cooled cookies. Let the outlined layer dry completely (this can take several hours or overnight) before flooding. Allow the flooded cookies to dry fully until hard before handling or packaging.

Notes

  • Sift your powdered sugar to prevent lumps in the final icing.
  • Meringue powder is essential for the icing to dry hard. Do not substitute with egg whites unless you adjust the recipe significantly.
  • If the icing is too thin, add more sifted powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
  • If the icing is too thick, add water, one teaspoon at a time.
  • Store extra icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/cookie-icing-recipe-dries-firm-smooth/