Sugar Cookie Icing Drizzle

Featured in: Olive-Warm Comfort Meals

This classic dessert features soft, buttery sugar cookies baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth, sweet icing drizzle. The dough blends rich butter, sugar, and vanilla with flour and a hint of baking powder for a tender crumb. After baking, the cookies are cooled before being adorned with a glossy icing made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, optionally tinted with food coloring for vibrant appeal. Ideal for celebrations or casual snacking, this easy-to-make sweet treat can be customized with citrus zest or sprinkles for added flair.

Updated on Sun, 14 Dec 2025 18:56:07 GMT
Warm, golden sugar cookies drizzled with colorful icing, perfect for sharing and enjoying. Pin It
Warm, golden sugar cookies drizzled with colorful icing, perfect for sharing and enjoying. | olivecinder.com

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies. These buttery delights, topped with a sweet and colorful icing drizzle, bring a touch of joy to any occasion. Whether you're sharing them at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat, this classic American dessert is both simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

Warm, golden sugar cookies drizzled with colorful icing, perfect for sharing and enjoying. Pin It
Warm, golden sugar cookies drizzled with colorful icing, perfect for sharing and enjoying. | olivecinder.com

This recipe balances the richness of butter with the sweetness of sugar, enhanced by the delicate touch of vanilla. The icing drizzle adds not only a lovely visual appeal but also a smooth, sweet finish. Best of all, the entire process takes just about half an hour, making it ideal for both novice bakers and experienced hands seeking a quick, satisfying dessert.

Ingredients

  • For the Sugar Cookies
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • For the Icing Drizzle
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
6. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. For the icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If desired, divide and tint with food coloring.
8. Once cookies are cool, drizzle icing over the tops using a spoon or piping bag. Allow icing to set before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Um das Aroma zu variieren, kann eine Prise Zitronenschale zur Glasur hinzugefügt werden, was dem Geschmack eine erfrischende, zitronige Note verleiht. Die Kekse können vor dem Backen mit einem Glas oder der Hand leicht plattgedrückt werden, um eine gleichmäßige Form zu erzielen und ein gleichmäßiges Backen zu gewährleisten.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Für eine glutenfreie Variante kann das Allzweckmehl durch eine glutenfreie Mehlmischung ersetzt werden. Die Glasur lässt sich mit verschiedenen Lebensmittelfarben individuell gestalten oder ganz weglassen, um die Süße der Kekse pur zu genießen.

Serviervorschläge

Diese zuckersüßen Kekse eignen sich hervorragend zum Tee oder Kaffee und sind ideal für festliche Anlässe oder als liebevolles Mitbringsel. Mit bunten Streuseln dekoriert, werden sie zum Hingucker auf jedem Plattenteller.

Sweet sugar cookies iced with a smooth, vanilla drizzle; a classic American dessert. Pin It
Sweet sugar cookies iced with a smooth, vanilla drizzle; a classic American dessert. | olivecinder.com

With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, this sugar cookie and icing drizzle plate is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the process as much as the delightful results — sweet, colorful, and utterly satisfying.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve a soft texture in sugar cookies?

Using softened butter and not overmixing the dough helps keep cookies tender. Baking until just golden at the edges prevents dryness.

Can I add flavor variations to the icing?

Yes, adding lemon zest or food coloring can enhance flavor and appearance without altering the base sweetness.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough briefly before baking and spacing the dough balls adequately on the baking sheet helps maintain shape.

How do I get a smooth icing drizzle consistency?

Whisk powdered sugar with small amounts of milk gradually to reach a pourable but not runny texture for easy drizzling.

Are there gluten-free alternatives for these cookies?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, adjusting moisture if needed for similar texture.

Sugar Cookie Icing Drizzle

Buttery sugar cookies topped with a sweet, colorful icing drizzle for a delightful treat.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Recipe by Owen Barnes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 18 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian

What You'll Need

Sugar Cookies

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1 large egg
04 2 tsp vanilla extract
05 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 1/2 tsp baking powder
07 1/2 tsp salt

Icing Drizzle

01 1 cup powdered sugar
02 2 to 3 tbsp milk
03 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
04 Food coloring (optional)

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cream butter and sugar: Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 03

Add egg and flavor: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Step 04

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl; then gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 05

Shape cookies: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Flatten slightly with your hand or a glass bottom.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Prepare icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Optionally divide and tint with food coloring.

Step 08

Drizzle icing: Once cookies are cool, drizzle icing over each using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Advice

Make sure to review every ingredient for allergens and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter, milk), and egg.
  • Check labels on food coloring and vanilla extract for potential allergens.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Details here are just for reference and not a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 150
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 1 g