An easy way to elevate cakes, cookies, muffins, and countless other baked goods! This 2‑ingredient powdered sugar glaze/icing instantly upgrades any dessert. Read below to learn how to make this recipe into either an icing or a glaze.
What’s the difference between icing and glaze?
The ingredients for a powdered sugar icing and a powdered sugar glaze are essentially the same — powdered sugar plus a liquid. What distinguishes them is consistency and how they set.
Icings are thicker and dry to a firmer, more opaque finish, which works well for piping and decorated cookies. Glazes are thinner, set to a shinier, slightly sticky finish, and are ideal for drizzling or dipping, like on glazed donuts.
Which liquid to use for your powdered sugar glaze/icing
Choose the liquid based on the dessert and the flavor you want to add. Common options are water, milk, heavy cream, or lemon juice.
Water is neutral and works with nearly any recipe. It’s great when the baked good is already rich and you don’t want extra dairy.
Milk or heavy cream add richness and a slightly thicker texture. Heavy cream produces the richest result, but regular milk is a fine, more common substitute.
Lemon juice gives bright, tangy flavor and pairs especially well with fruit bakes like blueberry scones, muffins, or pound cake.
When to use icing vs glaze
Use glaze when you want a thin drizzle, a clear glossy finish, or an easy dip for donuts and bars. Use icing when you need a firmer set for piping, decorating, or stacking baked goods for transport.
Recipes that work well with glaze
• Blueberry scones
• Sour cream glazed donuts
• Apple crumb cake
• Blueberry muffins
• Jam bars with crumb topping
For detailed decorating or cookie work, use a thicker icing that dries opaque and holds piped shapes well. This makes stacking and transporting easier and gives a clean finished look.
Recipes that work well with icing
• Sour cream pound cake (a firmer icing makes it portable)
• Cinnamon swirl quick bread
• Cinnamon rolls
• Vanilla sugar cookies (for decorating)
• Gingerbread cookies (for detailed piping)
How simple it is
This two‑ingredient powdered sugar glaze/icing is incredibly versatile. With just powdered sugar plus a splash of liquid you can create either a thick icing or a thin glaze to enhance almost any baked treat.
Similar recipes you might like
• Vanilla buttercream frosting
• Chocolate buttercream frosting
• Chocolate ganache for frosting
• Vanilla pastry cream
Simple Powdered Sugar Glaze / Icing Recipe
5 from 23 reviews
- Author: Mimi
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ½ cup (approx.)
Description
A quick, two‑ingredient glaze or icing that transforms cakes, muffins, cookies, and more. Use more or less liquid to control thickness and finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 to 3 tablespoons water, milk, heavy cream, or lemon juice (see notes)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of your chosen liquid. If the mixture is too thick, add more liquid a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it becomes too thin, sift in more powdered sugar and whisk until thickened.
Equipment
Fine mesh strainer (optional for sifting)
Mixing bowl
Notes
* Use 1–2 tablespoons liquid for a thicker icing and 2–3 tablespoons for a thinner glaze. Start with less liquid and add more gradually — different powdered sugar brands have varying amounts of cornstarch, so you may need to adjust.
* It’s easier to add liquid than to correct an overly thin mixture, so proceed slowly when thinning the glaze or icing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Enjoy!