Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens With Crisp Snap

Instructions:

1. Sift the powdered sugar into a large glass mixing bowl to eliminate all clumps. Add the milk, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Stir slowly with a silicone spatula until the mixture is thick, smooth, and resembles a heavy paste. It should be entirely combined and difficult to stir.
3. Test for piping consistency: Lift the spatula; the icing should drizzle down and hold its shape for 15–20 seconds before disappearing. Add milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time if too thick.
4. For flood consistency, divide icing into small bowls and add milk drop by drop until a ribbon of icing dropped into the bowl disappears completely in 5 seconds.
5. Add gel food coloring using a toothpick. Stir gently to avoid air bubbles, let sit for 5 minutes, tap the bowl to release bubbles, and transfer to piping bags.