Simple Powdered Sugar Icing is the perfect finishing touch for all your favorite muffins, quick breads, cookies, and more! Ready in minutes… and the perfect base for any flavor!

Growing up, we made cutout Christmas cookies every year I can remember. And every year I can remember, we used THIS icing.

We would divide it up into a bunch of smaller bowls and dye it every color of the rainbow. We would add candy and sprinkles and crushed candy canes… we would make patterns and swirls and try every technique we could imagine… but it was always THIS recipe.

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Why? Because this recipe is simple! All you need is 2 basic ingredients (the others are optional) and you have yourself the perfect powdered sugar glaze. It’s also easy! Easy enough for kids to make all on their own… no help needed. Not to mention… it hardens up just enough to hold its design while still being soft enough to enjoy.

But perhaps best of all, it’s the perfect base to add any of your favorite flavors. Like vanilla or lemon or maple or cinnamon or pretty much any flavor you can dream up. Which is exactly why this is THE go-to icing recipe you need!

what you’ll need for this recipe

Powdered sugar – I used 1 cup powdered sugar as the base of this icing.

Milk – I added 4-6 teaspoons of half & half. My suggestion is to start with 4 teaspoons and slowly add more until you reach your desired consistency. Milk also works just fine.

Flavoring – Add in any of your favorite flavorings, such as vanilla extract, almond extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, lemon juice, or anything you can think of!

how to make powdered sugar icing

Combine. Combine ingredients in a small bowl; stir until no lumps remain.

Frost. Use a knife to spread the icing evenly OR drizzle with a spoon for a drizzled effect.

Recipe Variations

Substitute chocolate milk or your favorite flavored coffee creamer
Add orange or lemon zest
Add any of your favorite flavored extracts
Add crushed candy, sprinkles, or cookies
Make it thicker by adding less milk or half & half
Add cocoa powder to make it chocolate

Cinnamon Icing:

Maple Icing:

Lemon Icing:

Vanilla Icing:

storage tips

Since this icing eventually hardens, it’s best to store it covered. We usually store it in a small container at room temperature. It will keep for 2-3 days. To store it for a longer period of time, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

How to use Powdered Sugar Icing

This Powdered Sugar Glaze is the perfect addition to these favorites or any of your favorites!