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Powdered Sugar Icing

A simple three-ingredient icing perfect for cookies, cakes, and pastries.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1.5 cups
Course: Dessert Topping
Cuisine: American
Calories: 90
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sifter or fine-mesh strainer
  • Rubber spatula for scraping down
  • Small spoon for testing consistency

Method
 

  1. Sift 2 cups of powdered sugar into a medium bowl.
  2. Soften 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to room temperature.
  3. Add the softened butter to the sifted powdered sugar and mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of whole milk one tablespoon at a time while the mixer is on low speed.
  5. Pour in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat for another 30 seconds.
  6. Check the icing consistency and add more milk if necessary.
  7. Use immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

This icing works great on various desserts and can be flavored with extracts like almond or lemon.