I love this icing because it transforms simple ingredients into pure magic. The blend of sifted powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt creates a smooth, glossy glaze that dries flawlessly. It provides a delicate sweetness that enhances my cookies while keeping everything vegan and irresistibly delicious.

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I’ve always been a fan of recipes that are both nutritionally mindful and easy to make. I’m sharing my easy glace icing recipe thats perfect for decorating sugar cookies.

This recipe is vegan and contains no dairy or egg whites so its a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions. I combine 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons non-dairy milk or water to create a smooth base.

Then I mix in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness. The icing not only tastes great but dries hard which makes it ideal for cookie decorating and adds a nice crisp texture.

Its low in fat, making it a slightly better treat if you are watching your diet. Although its simple, its been tested to work well for a variety of cookie icing techniques and festive designs.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe becuz it’s super simple and I don’t have to be a baking whiz to get it right. First, it’s really easy to do even if I’m in a rush and don’t want extra fuss. I like that I can add a bit more non-dairy milk if mine looks too thick so it always turns out just how I want it. Also, the taste is great even though it’s just powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, which makes it sweet but not overly sugary. Lastly, I love that it dries hard so my cookies look awesome and the icing stays put after decorating, which makes it my favorite go-to for a fun cookie project.

Ingredients

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Easy Glace Icing is a simple yet tasty glaze perfect for sugar cookies.

It uses everyday ingredients that work together to create a smooth, balanced finish.

The powdered sugar brings intense sweetness with a fine, smooth texture.

Non-dairy milk or water is added just to thin the icing and add subtle creaminess.

Vanilla extract provides a warm, inviting aroma while a pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this quick and delicious icing accessible for anyone who loves a little extra charm on their baked treats.

Powdered sugar: Sweet, carbohydrate-packed with a fine texture for smooth icing.
Non-dairy milk/water: Thins icing, adds mild creaminess without extra fat.
Vanilla extract: Adds a rich, aromatic hint to enhance overall flavor.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors beautifully.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

2 to 3 tablespoons non-dairy milk or water

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

How to Make this

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1. Sift the 2 cups of powdered sugar into a clean mixing bowl to remove any clumps.

2. Add the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the bowl.

3. Pour in 2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk (or water) to start and stir gently.

4. Mix the ingredients well until the icing is smooth and all the sugar is dissolved.

5. Check the consistency; if it’s too thick, add the extra tablespoon of non-dairy milk little by little until it reaches your desired thickness.

6. Stir well after each addition of liquid to make sure it all combines evenly.

7. Let the icing sit for a couple of minutes then give it another stir before using.

8. Use the icing immediately for cookie decorating, either by drizzling, spreading, or piping as needed.

9. Allow the decorated cookies to sit until the icing dries hard on the surface.

10. Enjoy decorating and have fun with your delicious gluten-free, vegan sugar cookie icing!

Equipment Needed

1. Clean mixing bowl – you’ll need this to combine the ingredients
2. Fine-mesh sieve – used for sifting the powdered sugar so there are no clumps
3. Measuring cups – to accurately measure out the 2 cups of powdered sugar
4. Measuring spoons – one for the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, the pinch of salt, and the tablespoons of non-dairy milk or water
5. Spoon or spatula – for stirring the mixture until smooth

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to make this Easy Glace Icing?

A: It only takes about 5 minutes to mix up all the ingredients.

Q: Can I use dairy milk instead of non-dairy milk?

A: Sure you can use dairy milk, but non-dairy milk usually gives you a better consistency.

Q: What do I do if my icing comes out too thick?

A: Just add a little more milk or water one tablespoon at a time until you reach the right texture.

Q: Is this icing only for sugar cookies?

A: Not at all, its great on sugar cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and any treat needing a sweet glaze.

Q: Can I make the icing ahead of time?

A: Yep, you can store it in an airtight container for a few days, just make sure to give it a stir before use.

Easy Glace Icing {Sugar Cookie Icing} Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar with a little bit of cornstarch (about 1 tablespoon per cup of sugar) and sift it to get a similar texture.
If non-dairy milk isn’t available, try using almond milk, oat milk or even a splash of coconut milk; water works too if you’re in a pinch.
For vanilla extract, you can swap it out with an equal amount of almond extract for a different flavor twist, or use a bit of maple syrup.
Instead of regular salt, a pinch of kosher salt or sea salt can do the trick, just be sure its well mixed in.

Pro Tips

1. If you can, add the liquid slowly and keep stirring so the icing stays smooth and not runny.
2. Sometimes the powdered sugar might have little clumps even after sifting so if you get any, sift it again or mix it extra well and it will help make the icing better.
3. Let the icing sit for a couple minutes after you mix it and then give it another stir. It usually makes a big difference in getting a perfect consistency for decorating.
4. When using a piping bag or even a simple plastic bag with the corner cut off, practice a little bit on a scrap piece of paper so you feel more comfortable with how it flows out.