Yes, this icing can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. To store the icing:
Refrigeration: Place the icing in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to a week. Before using it, allow the icing to come to room temperature and give it a good stir to restore its smooth consistency.
Freezing: If you want to make the icing well in advance, it can also be frozen. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring there's minimal air inside to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to a month. Thaw the icing in the refrigerator overnight and then let it sit at room temperature for some time before using. Stir well to bring it back to its original consistency.
Always ensure the icing is well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or forming a crust while stored.

The time it takes for icing to come to room temperature can vary based on factors like the quantity of icing, the initial temperature it was stored at, and the ambient temperature of the room.
Typically, for a small batch of icing stored in a container, it might take around 20-30 minutes to come to room temperature if kept at normal room temperature (around 68-72°F or 20-22°C). Larger quantities might take a bit longer.
If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing the container of icing in a bowl of lukewarm water (ensure the container is sealed to prevent water from getting in) or gently microwaving it for short intervals (10-15 seconds at a time, stirring in between) until it reaches the desired temperature. However, be cautious not to overheat the icing, as it can affect its texture and consistency.

This versatile sugar cookie icing made with corn syrup can be used on various baked goods for decoration and added sweetness. Here are some ideas:
Baked Goods:
Sugar Cookies: This icing is perfect for topping sugar cookies. Once the cookies have cooled completely, you can ice them with different colors, create patterns, or simply cover them with a smooth layer of icing.
Cut-out Cookies: Use it on any cut-out cookies, like gingerbread cookies or shortbread, to add color and flavor.
Decorative Cakes and Cupcakes: Use the icing to decorate cakes and cupcakes. You can pipe designs, write messages, or create intricate patterns.
Brownies and Bars: Drizzle the icing over brownies or bars for a decorative touch.
Other Uses:
Decorating Edible Crafts: Use it for decorating edible crafts made from fondant, gum paste, or other edible materials.
Sweetening Desserts: If you prefer a thin layer of sweetness, you can drizzle it over desserts like cheesecake, fruit tarts, or even pancakes or waffles.
As Glaze: It can serve as a glaze for sweet bread, such as cinnamon rolls or danishes.
Festive Treats: Use the icing for decorating holiday treats like Easter eggs, Halloween cookies, or Christmas-themed baked goods.
Remember, this icing dries and hardens, making it great for decorative purposes and preserving the design of your baked goods.

The prep time for this Easy Sugar Cookie Icing recipe is approximately 5 to 10 minutes. It involves whisking together confectioners' sugar, milk, corn syrup, and optionally vanilla extract, until achieving a smooth consistency. Adjusting the thickness might add a few more minutes.

For this particular sugar cookie icing recipe, there is no cooking time involved. It's a no-cook icing that simply requires mixing the ingredients until you achieve the desired consistency. Once the icing is prepared, it's ready to be used for decorating your baked goods—no additional cooking or heating required.

Determining servings for icing can be a bit subjective as it largely depends on how much icing you use to decorate your baked goods. However, this recipe, typically makes enough icing to decorate approximately 24 to 36 standard-sized cookies, assuming you're covering them with a moderate amount of icing. The actual number of servings might vary based on the size and design of the cookies or the area you're covering with icing on other baked goods like cakes or cupcakes.

This icing recipe stands out for a few reasons:
Ease of Preparation: It's incredibly easy and quick to make, requiring minimal ingredients and no cooking. Mix, adjust consistency, and start decorating!
Versatility: This icing is incredibly versatile and suitable for decorating various baked goods—cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and more. It can be thinned or thickened to suit different decorating techniques.
Smooth Finish: When applied, it dries into a smooth, glossy finish, perfect for professional-looking decorations on your treats.
Longevity: Once set, this icing tends to hold its shape and design well, making it ideal for intricate patterns or detailed decorations.
Customizable: Easily modify the colors by adding food coloring or keep it as a white base for more intricate designs.
Taste and Texture: It adds a sweet touch without being overly sugary and doesn’t harden too much, offering a delightful taste and texture to complement your baked goods.
Storage Friendly: It can be made ahead, stored, and reused without losing its consistency or taste.
The combination of simplicity, adaptability, and the professional finish it lends to baked goods makes this icing recipe special and widely appreciated for home bakers and professionals alike.

Check out these recipes on our blog to pair with this icing recipe:
1.) Cutout Sugar Cookies
2.) Sand Tart Cookie Recipe
3.) Gingerbread Cutout Cookies