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Easy Sugar Cookie Icing That Dries Hard and Glossy

A white bowl filled with perfectly piped, creamy, and glossy sugar cookie icing.
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A simple recipe for smooth, glossy sugar cookie icing that dries firm, perfect for detailed piping and flooding on cutout cookies.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup meringue powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (optional, for whiter icing)
  • 6 to 8 tablespoons warm water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder until fully combined.
  2. Add the vanilla extracts to the dry mixture.
  3. Gradually add the warm water, starting with 6 tablespoons, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined.
  4. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 3 to 5 minutes until the icing is smooth and glossy.
  5. Check the consistency. If the icing is too thick for flooding, add the remaining water, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired flow is reached.
  6. To test for flooding consistency, lift the mixer beater; the icing should fall back into the bowl in a continuous ribbon that disappears after about 10 seconds.
  7. Divide the icing if you plan to color it. Add gel food coloring sparingly and mix until uniform.
  8. Use immediately for outlining or flooding cookies. Let the first layer dry completely before adding detail layers.
  9. Allow decorated cookies to air dry for several hours or overnight until the icing is completely hard to the touch.

Notes

  • For piping consistency (outlining), use slightly less water, aiming for a thick mixture that holds its shape when piped.
  • For flooding consistency, use more water until the icing flows smoothly across the cookie surface.
  • If the icing becomes too thick while working, stir in a few drops of water.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, stirring well before reuse.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/sugar-cookie-icing-hard-glossy-recipe/