Powdered Sugar Icing

Recipe Ingredients

This simple powdered sugar icing uses just 3 ingredients.

Powdered Sugar: The consistency of powdered sugar dissolves readily with the other ingredients into a smooth glaze that isn’t grainy like it would be if made with granulated or brown sugar.

Vanilla: We add vanilla to create a glaze that amplifies the flavors found in sweet baked goods.

Half-and-Half: Adding a depth of flavor to the glaze, half-and-half also makes it smooth and spreadable or a drizzling consistency, depending on how much you add. You can use heavy cream or milk if you have it on hand, too.

How to Make Powdered Sugar Icing

Here’s how easy it is to make our homemade powdered sugar icing recipe.

1. Accurately Measure the Powdered Sugar

Spoon powdered sugar into a dry measuring cup. Then, level off the cup with a metal spatula or straight edge of a knife. Scooping the cup into the powdered sugar may result in adding too much and a thick glaze that won’t easily spread.

2. Whisk Ingredients Together

Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 3 tablespoons half-and-half to a medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Add additional half-and-half, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it is easily spreadable or drops from a spoon in a thin stream that holds its shape. By adding the remaining half-and-half in small quantities, you can control how thin the icing gets.

Storing Powdered Sugar Icing

Our powdered sugar icing recipe is quick to mix up, and we recommend making it right before using for best results since it dries very quickly. If you want to make it ahead, here are our best tips to keep it as fresh as possible.

Room Temperature Storage

Place the prepared glaze in a smaller bowl, and immediately cover tightly with plastic wrap as close to the surface as possible without touching it. Store at room temperature up to 1 hour. If glaze is too thick to spread or drizzle, add additional milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency.