Powdered sugar icing uses only 3 ingredients and can be made in a pinch. Elevate your cookies, cakes and muffins with this easy, no fuss and absolutely delicious glaze!
Table of Contents
Powdered Sugar Glaze
I think we can all agree that most often, the best part of any cake, donut or quick bread is the powdered sugar glaze on top. There is something about licking off the icing first before getting down to the main event and this glaze does not disappoint!
This easy icing adds the perfect delicate touch to any muffin, cookie or turnover. I love it because it’s not overbearing or overly sweet like a frosting would be. Add some food coloring and have different colors set up for a birthday party. It’s a super simple way to get creative and have everyone decorate their own treats! Use orange for some fun Halloween cookies and keep this recipe on hand for your next cookie exchange when the holidays come around.
Whether you’re topping off a special dessert with this icing or using it to satisfy a sweet tooth on a Tuesday morning, this quick and easy powdered sugar glaze recipe is something to have on hand because you will be coming back to it time and time again!
3 Simple Ingredients
That is all it takes to make an icing you can use on a variety of baked goods.
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Heavy cream: You can also use whole milk. The higher the fat content, the thicker the icing will be. It is easier to thin out the icing by adding the cream or milk little by little than it is to thicken it.
- Powdered sugar: This is sugar ground up to a powder and usually contains cornstarch to act as an anti-clumping agent. Even still, make sure to sift it to guarantee a smoother glaze.
- Vanilla extract: I use pure vanilla extract.
Favorite Ways to Use the Icing
There are tons of different ways to use this glaze. It tastes delicious on cakes, danishes, muffins, quick bread, cookies, scones…you name it. Below are a few of my favorite recipes to use it in:
How to Make Icing with Powdered Sugar
If you can stir, you can make this icing. Just be sure to get the right consistency by adjusting the amount of liquid, if needed.
- Combine: Sift the powdered sugar into a bowl and add heavy cream (or whole milk) and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
- Add: If you are finding it too thick, add more cream a teaspoon at a time, as needed. You want it on the thicker side, otherwise, it will run off of your baked goods!
- Use Immediately: Once your cookies, muffins, donuts, quick bread or other baked goods have cooled, drizzle the icing over top using a spoon. If you do this while they are still hot, the icing will thin out almost completely.
Expert Tip
If you’re wanting to decorate using a piping bag, make your own by placing the icing in a zip-top bag and snip the end to create a small opening. Best used immediately while nice and smooth!
Recipe FAQs
Of course! To make citrus (lemon, lime, or orange) icing, sub 2 Tablespoons citrus juice for the cream, omit the vanilla extract, and add citrus zest, if desired. You can also substitute the vanilla for almond extract, butter extract or coconut extract.
Absolutely! Simply use water in place of the heavy cream.
Storing Tips
This glaze will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. The small amount of milk is preserved by a large amount of sugar and will remain safe.
More Easy Icing Recipes
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Powdered Sugar Icing
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 Tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk , more or less as needed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract , plus more to taste
- Pinch salt (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, heavy cream and vanilla until smooth.
- Add more cream as needed to thin out the consistency. You want it to be smooth and slightly thicker so that it doesn't run off your baked goods. Taste and add salt or more vanilla, if desired.
- Place in a zip-top bag and snip the end or use a spoon to drizzle over the top of cookies, doughnuts, quick breads, or muffins. Best used immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Easy and just added strawberry extract. 🍓
Simple, easy, delicious. My Vanilla extract turned it a slight cream/yellow tint. Any ideas on how to keep it milky white?
You can use a clear vanilla extract so that it doesn’t change the color of the icing :)
It sounds super easy but I do have one question can you actually make it with skim milk or with half and half instead of whole milk?
The flavor may not be as rich, but that should work!
Great recipe – I made it last weekend for our family and it was a hit!
The possibilities are endless on what you can use this on! Thanks for the storing tips so we get the most out of it.
My daughter loves this icing on almost everything! So delicious and yummy!