The perfect quick Glaze Icing Recipe for cookies, cakes, & baked goods of all kinds! Just whisk together powdered sugar, milk, & vanilla, then drizzle onto warm baked goods and watch the icing harden to a delicious crisp. Plus, I’ll show you how to make an icing, glaze, or frosting with powdered sugar by adjusting the ingredients slightly.
Powdered sugar icing—also known as quick icing, or glacé icing—is just about the easiest icing you can make. It’s my favorite homemade icing for cookies because it’s simple, tasty, and hardens naturally as it sets.
But you can also thin it out to make a powdered sugar glaze for cakes & scones—or add butter to make a spreadable quick frosting for decorating cupcakes!
Is powdered sugar icing the same as royal icing?
There are 2 main forms of powdered sugar icing, both of which are perfect for decorating cookies. Glacé icing is a 2-ingredient icing with powdered sugar + liquid, whereas royal icing also includes egg whites.
Royal icing has a thicker texture that’s perfect for piping and it hardens to a solid state. It’s great for more detailed cookie decorating, but it’s not as easy to work with. I prefer glacé icing for cookies because it’s quick, drizzleable, and makes decorating simpler. (And I think it looks & tastes better than royal icing!)
Is icing different than frosting?
Icing is generally thinner than frosting, but thicker than a glaze. Icings & glazes are best drizzled or spooned onto cookies, cinnamon rolls, cakes & scones, leaving a smooth, shiny finish. Both are made from powdered sugar & liquid, a glaze just has a bit more liquid.
Powdered sugar frosting usually has a butter and/or cream cheese base—so it’s thicker & fluffier than icing and can be spread or piped onto layer cakes, cupcakes & brownies. Both icing & frosting use similar ingredients, so I’ll walk you through how to make both!
Why You’ll Love This Glaze Icing Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this glaze in minutes.
- Versatile: Perfect for drizzling over cakes, donuts, cookies, and more.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the consistency and flavor to suit your needs.
Related: Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or water for a dairy-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
- Adjust Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Flavoring (Optional): Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Use Immediately: Drizzle the glaze over your baked goods or dip pastries into it. Allow it to set before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle: Perfect for drizzling over bundt cakes, donuts, and pound cakes.
- Dip: Use as a dip for cookies or pastries.
- Layer: Add a thin layer on top of brownies or bars for extra sweetness.
How to Store Glaze Icing Recipe
- Room Temperature: Store the glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Re-whisk before using.
Additional Tips
- Consistency: Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner glaze.
- Flavors: Experiment with different extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint for unique flavors.
- Color: Add a few drops of food coloring to match the theme of your baked goods.
Powdered Sugar Glaze Icing Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or water for a thinner glaze
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional
- Pinch of salt optional, to balance sweetness
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps.
- Add milk (or water) gradually, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if using.
- Adjust consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker icing.
- Drizzle over baked goods and allow it to set before serving.
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