Easy Powdered Sugar Icing or Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cpowdered sugar)
(120g
- 1 tbspmilk or water)
(or fruit juice
- ½ tspvanilla extract)
(optional
- 2 ozbutter
softened
- 2 ozcream cheese
softened
- 1 ozbutter
softened
Directions
How to make icing or glaze with powdered sugar
- 1
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to your desired consistency. (Use less liquid for a thicker icing; add more liquid for a thinner glaze.)
- 2
Optional: Add vanilla extract for a vanilla icing, or add any other flavoring you’d like.
- 3
Use a spoon to pour or drizzle icing over cookies, cakes &pastries while they’re still warm (but not too hot, or the icing will melt). Allow to set at room temperature—the icing will harden as the baked goods cool.
- 4
Yield: ~½ cup icing or glaze. (Enough for ~40 cookies, 1 Bundt cake, 12 cinnamon rolls, 8-10 scones.)
- 5
Storage: Cover powdered sugar icing or glaze and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
How to make frosting with powdered sugar
- 1
In a large bowl, beat softened butter (and/or cream cheese) with a hand mixer until smooth & creamy, for about 2 minutes.
- 2
Add powdered sugar and milk (if needed) and beat for 1-2 minutes, until fluffy.
- 3
Optional: Beat in vanilla extract or any flavoring you’d like. Or beat in a drop of food coloring to make different frosting colors.
- 4
Spread or pipe frosting onto completely cooled cookies, brownies, or cupcakes. Allow to set in the fridge for about an hour.
- 5
Yields: ~⅔ cup buttercream frosting. (Enough for 12-16 cupcakes or a pan of brownies.)
- 6
Storage: Keep buttercream in an airtight container or sealed piping bag at room temperature for 1-2 days, or store in the fridge for up to a week.
Easy Powdered Sugar Icing or Frosting
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/11587-Sugar-Cookie-Icing-DDMFS-3X4-11870-54dd1242ddf341249c7702482e9f994c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AR-8379-basic-cream-cheese-frostin-ddmfs-beauty-4x3-BG-25502-4256fabab5ee45fc8fc911611d322ff5.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving that perfect, smooth finish for your homemade treats without spending hours in the kitchen? This easy powdered sugar icing or frosting recipe is your secret weapon, delivering a delightful texture and sweet flavor in minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines because of its incredible speed and simple ingredient list, relying on the classic base of powdered sugar. The inclusion of softened butter and cream cheese creates a remarkably rich and creamy consistency that sets it apart from basic glazes, allowing for both a luxurious frosting or a pourable icing with just a slight adjustment of liquid. It's the ultimate versatile topper for almost any baked good.
What to Expect
You'll create a lusciously smooth, sweet, and wonderfully spreadable topping that perfectly complements everything from delicate cookies to dense cakes. The optional vanilla extract adds a familiar warmth, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering your dessert. Whether you prefer a thicker, pipeable frosting or a thinner, elegant glaze, this recipe easily adapts to your desired consistency, making it incredibly user-friendly for any home baker.
Customization & Variations
Tailor this icing to any occasion! Instead of milk, use water or even fruit juice for a vibrant color and tangy twist. Experiment with different extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint in place of vanilla for unique flavor profiles. For a thicker frosting, use less liquid; for a thinner, drizzly icing, gradually add a few extra drops until you reach your ideal consistency.
Serving & Context
This versatile powdered sugar icing or frosting is ideal for last-minute desserts, casual family treats, or elegantly decorated baked goods. Spoon it over warm cinnamon rolls, spread it generously on sheet cakes, or drizzle it artfully over sugar cookies for a beautiful finish.