Sugar Cookie Icing Drizzle

Featured in: All-American Desserts

These buttery sugar cookies offer a tender crumb with a light golden edge. The dough, enriched with vanilla and butter, yields a soft yet slightly crisp texture. After baking, a smooth icing drizzle made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla lightly coats each cookie, adding a sweet, colorful finish. Simple steps including mixing, shaping, baking, and decorating create an inviting treat ideal for gatherings or casual indulgence.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:10:00 GMT
Buttery sugar cookies, beautifully drizzled with colorful icing, make the perfect treat. Save
Buttery sugar cookies, beautifully drizzled with colorful icing, make the perfect treat. | dashofstates.com

A delightful dessert featuring buttery sugar cookies topped with a sweet, colorful icing drizzle—perfect for any occasion.

These sugar cookies remind me of the holidays spent baking with family and sharing sweet moments around the table.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
  • All-purpose flour: 2 ¾ cups (345 g)
  • Baking powder: ½ tsp
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120 g)
  • Milk: 2 3 tbsp
  • Food coloring: optional

Instructions

Preheat and prepare:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add egg and vanilla:
Add the egg and vanilla extract mix until combined.
Combine dry ingredients:
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Form and place dough:
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with hand or bottom of glass.
Bake cookies:
Bake for 9 11 minutes or until edges are just golden. Cool on tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare icing:
Whisk powdered sugar milk and vanilla extract in small bowl until smooth. Divide and tint with food coloring if desired.
Drizzle icing:
Once cookies are cool drizzle icing over tops using spoon or piping bag. Allow icing to set before serving.
Freshly baked sugar cookies get a lovely drizzle of sweet icing for an American dessert. Save
Freshly baked sugar cookies get a lovely drizzle of sweet icing for an American dessert. | dashofstates.com

These treats bring my family together every time we bake them, creating lasting memories around the kitchen.

Gluten-Free Variation

Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat gluten dairy butter milk and egg. Check food coloring and vanilla extract labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie calories 150 total fat 7 g carbohydrates 20 g protein 1 g.

A plate of homemade sugar cookies awaits, covered in colorful icing, prepared with love. Save
A plate of homemade sugar cookies awaits, covered in colorful icing, prepared with love. | dashofstates.com

Enjoy these delightful sugar cookies with a perfect icing drizzle for any celebration or day of the week.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, substituting gluten-free flour blend will work well and still produce tender cookies.

How do I achieve a smooth icing drizzle?

Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth; adjust milk quantity for desired consistency.

What is the best way to ensure cookies bake evenly?

Place cookie dough balls two inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets and flatten slightly for even baking.

Can I add flavor variations to the icing?

Yes, adding a pinch of lemon zest or food coloring enhances taste and appearance.

How should I store these cookies to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep cookies soft for several days.

Sugar Cookie Icing Drizzle

Buttery sugar cookies enhanced with a sweet, colorful icing drizzle for any occasion.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 18 Portions

Nutritional considerations Meat-free

Components

Sugar Cookies

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1 large egg
04 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
06 ½ teaspoon baking powder
07 ½ teaspoon salt

Icing Drizzle

01 1 cup powdered sugar
02 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
03 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
04 Food coloring (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.

Phase 03

Combine wet ingredients: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

Phase 04

Incorporate dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.

Phase 05

Shape cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Slightly flatten each ball with your hand or the bottom of a glass.

Phase 06

Bake cookies: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Phase 07

Prepare icing drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Optionally, divide and add food coloring for a vibrant effect.

Phase 08

Apply icing: When cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the icing over the tops using a spoon or piping bag. Let the icing set before serving.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Small bowl for icing

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter, milk), and egg. Verify potential allergens in food coloring and vanilla extract.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 150
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 1 g