Powdered Sugar Icing
This powdered sugar icing is the perfect addition to any cookie, cinnamon roll, or quick bread -try it out today!
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Powdered Sugar Icing Recipe
This powdered sugar icing is light and sweet – perfect for complementing any baked good it is added to. Whip this up in minutes and watch it transform your desserts into something delectable.
I love making homemade icing with powdered sugar because it is easy and so versatile. This recipe is designed to crust when it cools, meaning you can easily package your baked goods for transport, gifting, or just to store for later. If you’re looking for a way to help your desserts look and taste professional, give this powdered sugar icing recipe a whirl.
Ingredients in Homemade Icing with Powdered Sugar
- Butter – I always use salted! I use butter as the base of this because the richness and saltiness balances out the powdered sugar nicely.
- Vegetable shortening – This is optional, but it will help the icing to crust and get hard on the outside.
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla – You can flavor this frosting with whatever you’d like, but almond extract would be really good as well.
- Milk, room temp – You can use milk or heavy cream. But milk is better for icing because it will thin faster.
How to Make Icing with Powdered Sugar
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, combine the butter and shortening.
- Add the powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time along with a splash of milk, mixing until smooth.
- Repeat until all of the powdered sugar has been added.
- Add the vanilla to the icing and mix thoroughly.
- Now slowly add more milk until you’ve reached your desired consistency. I like to keep my frosting thicker because it will thin when it is spread onto warm cookies, cinnamon rolls, or quick bread.
How do I store baked goods with powdered sugar icing?
One of the best features of this icing (aside from how good it tastes) is that it slightly hardens, making it easy to store your iced baked goods without smudging the topping. You can stack your iced cookies to store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or simply cover cinnamon rolls or sweet bread!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep, you totally can! Mix it up and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to use, I recommend mixing it up and topping your desserts while they’re still warm.
Can I use this icing for different types of desserts?
This icing is so versatile. You can use it on cookies, donuts, sweet breads, muffins, brownies – it goes well with almost anything.
More Desserts to Try
Powdered Sugar Icing
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable shortening *optional, this will help the icing to crust and get hard on the outside
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1-2 tbsp milk, room temperature *can add more to thin, as desired.
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer, combine the butter and shortening.
- Add the powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time along with a splash of milk, mixing until smooth.
- Repeat until all of the powdered sugar has been added.
- Add the vanilla to the icing and mix thoroughly.
- Now slowly add more milk until you’ve reached your desired consistency. I like to keep mine thicker because it will thin when it is spread onto warm cookies, cinnamon rolls or quick bread.
