# Simple Icing Recipe Cookies: How to Make Perfectly Decorated Cookies at Home

If you're looking to create beautifully decorated cookies at home without the hassle and complexity of professional baking, then look no further. This guide……

If you're looking to create beautifully decorated cookies at home without the hassle and complexity of professional baking, then look no further. This guide on simple icing recipe cookies will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve stunning and delicious results. Whether you're a novice baker or an experienced one looking for a reliable and straightforward method, this article has got you covered.

## Ingredients for Simple Icing Recipe Cookies

Before diving into the process, let's gather all the necessary ingredients. The beauty of this simple icing recipe cookies is that it requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.

### For the Cookies:

- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 1/2 cups white sugar

- 1 egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

- 3-4 tablespoons milk

### For the Icing:

- 2 cups powdered sugar

- 4 tablespoons milk

- 4 teaspoons light corn syrup

- Food coloring (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions for Simple Icing Recipe Cookies

### Making the Cookies:

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this mixture aside.

3. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

4. **Add Wet Ingredients**: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.

5. **Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches a consistency that is soft but not sticky.

6. **Roll and Cut Dough**: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

7. **Bake**: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

### Making the Icing:

1. **Combine Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add the corn syrup and vanilla extract, mixing until the icing is glossy and smooth. If the icing is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

2. **Add Color**: If you want to add some color to your icing, divide it into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed.

### Decorating the Cookies:

1. **Prepare Your Workspace**: Lay out your cooled cookies on a flat surface covered with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will make cleanup easier.

2. **Outline and Flood**: Using a piping bag or a plastic squeeze bottle, outline the edges of your cookies with the icing. Once the outline has set, fill in the center with more icing, using a toothpick or a small spatula to spread it evenly.

3. **Add Details**: If you want to add more intricate designs, wait for the base layer of icing to dry completely before adding additional layers or details. This will prevent the colors from bleeding into each other.

4. **Drying Time**: Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely before stacking or packaging them. This can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight, depending on the humidity and thickness of the icing.

## Tips for Perfect Simple Icing Recipe Cookies

- **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This will help them incorporate more easily into the dough.

- **Chill the Dough**: If your dough is too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling it out.

- **Consistency is Key**: The consistency of your icing is crucial for both outlining and flooding. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to spread easily.

- **Practice Patience**: Allow each layer of icing to dry completely before adding additional decorations. This will ensure your designs stay crisp and defined.

With this guide on simple icing recipe cookies, you're well on your way to creating stunning, professional-looking cookies right in your own kitchen. Happy baking!