Sugar Cookie Icing That Hardens: Best Recipe

Instructions:

1. Sift the confectioners' sugar into a large mixing bowl. Add the whole milk, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
2. Whisk the mixture slowly until it is thick and smooth, resembling the consistency of heavy glue.
3. Test for piping consistency: Lift the whisk; the icing should drizzle down in a thick ribbon that holds its shape for 15 seconds. If too thick, add milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time.
4. For flooding consistency, divide the icing and add small drops of milk until the '10-second rule' is met (icing merges back into itself in 10 seconds).
5. Add gel food coloring with a toothpick. Transfer to piping bags or squeeze bottles.
6. Outline the cookies, let set for 2 minutes, then flood the centers. Pop any air bubbles with a toothpick.