Go Back
Icing Recipe

Simple Icing Recipe

This simple icing recipe creates the perfect drizzle for all your favorite baked goods. Made with just three ingredients, it's ideal for cinnamon rolls, cookies, scones, and more. The consistency is perfect for drizzling and sets beautifully in just 20 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Setting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Course: Dessert, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 387
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Icing Ingredients
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted if lumpy
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk room temperature, start with 1 tablespoon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional but recommended

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and vanilla extract until the icing is smooth and reaches a spreading or drizzling consistency.
  2. Check the consistency. If the icing is too thick, add additional milk 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  3. If the icing is too thin, whisk in powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until it thickens to the proper consistency.
  4. Use immediately to drizzle or spread over cookies, cakes, pastries, and other desserts. The icing will set and begin to harden after about 20 minutes.

Notes

Consistency Tips: The perfect icing should ribbon off your whisk and hold its shape for a few seconds before settling. Use the 1:1-2 ratio of powdered sugar to milk as your starting point.
Storage: This icing is best used fresh but can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If it thickens, whisk in a teaspoon of milk to restore consistency.
Flavor Variations: Try lemon juice instead of milk for lemon icing, or add almond extract for an almond flavor. For chocolate icing, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder.