Easy Sugar Cookie Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This easy sugar cookie glaze adds a smooth, glossy finish to your baked treats. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sweet, beautiful icing that hardens perfectly for decorating cookies.

Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or water
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or preferred flavor extract)
• Optional food coloring (gel or liquid)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl to eliminate clumps.
2. Step 2: Add milk or water one tablespoon at a time, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick but still pourable.
3. Step 3: Stir in the corn syrup until fully incorporated for a smooth, glossy texture.
4. Step 4: Mix in the vanilla extract or your chosen flavor extract.
5. Step 5: Divide the glaze into smaller bowls if using multiple colors and stir in food coloring.
6. Step 6: Test the glaze consistency by letting it drip off a spoon; adjust with more liquid or powdered sugar if needed.
7. Step 7: Use a piping bag, squeeze bottle, or spoon to apply the glaze to fully cooled cookies.
8. Step 8: Allow cookies to dry at room temperature for 6–8 hours or overnight before stacking or packaging.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger flavor, try almond or lemon extract instead of vanilla.
• Use gel food coloring to maintain the glaze’s thick consistency without thinning it out.
• If glaze is too runny, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken.
• For a shinier finish, let cookies dry longer before packaging.

Storage

Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Stir well before using again. Decorated cookies should be stored in a single layer at room temperature and allowed to dry completely to avoid smudging. Once dried, they can be stacked or packaged.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use water instead of milk?

Yes, water works well in this glaze and can make it suitable for those avoiding dairy. Just add it gradually to achieve the right consistency.

How do I fix glaze that is too thick or too thin?

If the glaze is too thick, add a few drops of liquid (milk or water) slowly until it’s pourable. If it’s too thin, sift in a little more powdered sugar until desired thickness is reached.

Easy Sugar Cookie Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 142 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Sugar Cookie Glaze recipe creates a smooth, glossy, and perfectly pourable icing ideal for decorating sugar cookies. The glaze is simple to make with basic ingredients like powdered sugar, milk or water, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Customize it with food coloring for festive designs. It dries beautifully at room temperature, providing an elegant finish that is both sweet and visually appealing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Glaze Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or water
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or preferred flavor extract)
• Optional: food coloring (gel or liquid)

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Instructions

1. Sift Powdered Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl to remove any lumps for a smooth glaze base.
2. Add Liquid: Gradually add milk or water one tablespoon at a time to the powdered sugar while stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a thick yet pourable consistency.
3. Incorporate Corn Syrup: Stir in the light corn syrup completely to achieve a smooth and glossy texture in the glaze.
4. Add Flavor Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract or any other preferred flavor extract to enhance the taste of the glaze.
5. Color the Glaze: If desired, divide the glaze into smaller bowls and add food coloring to each to create multiple colors for decoration.
6. Check Consistency: Test the glaze by letting it drip off a spoon; adjust the thickness with additional liquid or powdered sugar as needed.
7. Apply Glaze: Use a piping bag, squeeze bottle, or spoon to carefully apply the glaze onto fully cooled sugar cookies.
8. Dry the Glaze: Let the glazed cookies dry at room temperature for 6 to 8 hours or overnight before stacking or packaging to ensure a firm, set finish.

Notes

• Sifting the powdered sugar is key to a smooth glaze without lumps.
• Adjust liquid quantity depending on desired glaze thickness—less liquid for thicker glaze, more for a thinner glaze suitable for flooding cookies.
• Light corn syrup adds shine and prevents crystallization of the glaze.
• Use gluten-free powdered sugar if you need a gluten-free glaze.
• The glaze must be applied only on completely cooled cookies to prevent melting.
• Allow ample drying time to avoid smudging when stacking or packaging cookies.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert Topping
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sugar cookie glaze, easy cookie icing, glaze for sugar cookies, cookie decorating, simple glaze recipe