Cookie Icing 101: How to Use Wilton Cookie Icing | Wilton (2024)

What is cookie icing?

Cookie icing is a quick-setting, microwavable cookie icing that is great for decorating sugar cookies or any other type of roll-out cookie.

It comes in a variety of colors and can be piped right from the bottle. Simply heat and squeeze!

Cookie icing vs royal icing

Like royal icing, cookie icing can be used to decorate your roll-out sugar and gingerbread cookies; however, unlike royal icing, cookie icing does not dry hard.

Cookies decorated with cookie icing will set smooth, but the icing will remain soft and can be damaged if cookies are stacked or packaged. If you plan on stacking or gifting your cookies, we suggest using royal icing to keep your decorations from smearing or smudging.

Does cookie icing harden?

Cookie icing does not harden and will not dry hard like royal icing will. Therefore, we don’t suggest using cookie icing for cookies that are going to be stacked or gifted or for assembling gingerbread houses.

However, cookie icing can be used to decorate cookies and gingerbread houses – just keep in mind that the icing will remain soft. It will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour for cookie icing to set.

How to Use Wilton Cookie Icing

Cookie icing is super easy to use and can be piped right from the bottle.

How to use:

1. Remove cap and aluminum seal. Discard aluminum seal.
2. Place bottle in microwave and heat at full power for 30 seconds, then in additional 5 to 10-second intervals until icing reaches the desired consistency. Use care when removing the bottle from the microwave as it may be hot. Carefully knead the bottle between heating sessions until the icing is soft and pourable.
3. Replace plastic cap. Squeeze icing onto cookies; let dry for 30 to 45 minutes before adding any additional decorations.

One bottle will cover about 16 (3 in.) cookies. Icing will set smooth but will not dry completely.

How long should I put it in the microwave?

Heat your cookie icing by placing it in the microwave at full power for 30 seconds, then in additional 5 to 10-second intervals until the icing reaches the desired consistency. It should be soft and pourable, like thin consistency royal icing.

Use care when removing the bottle from the microwave as it may be hot.

And don’t forget to remove both the cap and the aluminum seal before microwaving your icing.

Can cookie icing be used on cakes?

Since cookie icing is best used when warm, we don’t suggest using it for drip cake designs, as it can melt the buttercream. If you’re making a drip cake, we suggest using our easy ganache recipe, made using Candy Melts candy and heavy whipping cream.

Cookie icing also remains at a semi-liquid state, so it cannot be used for piping borders or decorations on an iced cake.

Can cookie icing be used on cupcakes?

We don’t suggest using cookie icing to decorate cupcakes. This icing is best used warm, so if you use it on top of buttercream decorations, the icing can melt your buttercream.

This icing also remains at a semi-liquid state, so it cannot be used for piping. For best results, use cookie icing for cookies and buttercream frosting for cakes and cupcakes!

Will cookie icing work for gingerbread houses?

Since cookie icing does not dry hard, we do not suggest using it to assemble your gingerbread houses. Royal icing is the best for holding your gingerbread house together.

If you’d like to use cookie icing to decorate your gingerbread house, that’s certainly doable; however, keep in mind that the icing will remain soft and won’t dry hard like royal icing decorations. Since it remains soft, it may also droop off your gingerbread house, which is no fun!

For gingerbread houses that last all season long, we suggest sticking with royal icing decorations, as they dry hard and can withstand staying at room temperature without melting or drooping.

How to Store Cookie Icing

Unopened cookie icing can be stored at room temperature until ready to use. For best results, do not store leftover cookie icing. Once it’s been heated, we suggest using cookie icing as soon as possible.

Does it need to be refrigerated?

Unopened cookie icing does not need to be refrigerated. Treats iced with cookie icing can also be kept at room temperature.

Can cookie icing be frozen?

We do not suggest freezing cookie icing or treats that have been decorated with cookie icing. For best results, store your cookies on a covered plate, at room temperature, and enjoy within 1 to 2 weeks of decorating.

Is cookie icing gluten free?

As of now, our cookie icing is not gluten free. This product is also made in a facility that processes egg, milk and tree nuts.

A full list of ingredients can be found on the back of the bottle.

Is cookie icing vegan?

Vegan is not yet defined as a claim in the US regulations; therefore, we cannot fully claim that cookie icing is vegan. It is made in a facility that processes egg, milk and tree nuts.

A full list of ingredients can be found on the back of the bottle.

Where to Buy Cookie Icing

You can find Wilton cookie icing on Wilton.com or through your favorite craft or grocery supplier. It’s available in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, red, white, blue, orange, pink and black.