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Bowl of icing with orange and gingerbread on table
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5 from 2 votes

Orange Icing

This easy Orange Icing takes 2 ingredients and 2 minutes to make. The bright, citrus flavor pairs perfectly with holiday favorites. Use it to decorate gingerbread or sugar cookies. Or drizzle it as a glaze for muffins, scones, pound cake, and more. No egg whites or meringue powder needed. (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Prep Time2 minutes
Total Time2 minutes
Servings: 32
Author: Bri Beaudoin

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups powdered sugar (more as needed, see note 1)
  • ½ to ¾ teaspoons lightly packed orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (more as needed)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Mix icing: Add 1¾ cups powdered sugar, ½ to ¾ teaspoons lightly packed orange zest, and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice to a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust consistency if needed (more icing sugar to thicken, more orange juice to thin, and/or more orange zest for more citrus flavor).
  • Decorate:
    If icing cookies: Transfer icing to a piping bag - or use a small spatula, spoon, or butter knife to spread it directly on the cookie. Icing will firm up on the cookies as it dries.
    If using as a glaze: Once the icing is a pourable consistency, drizzle it over your fully cooled baked goods.

Notes

  1. Powdered sugar: Also known as Confectioner's Sugar or Icing Sugar. Make sure to remove any clumps before using (either by sifting, with a whisk, or in the food processor). If you're vegan, check the package to confirm, because not all sugar is considered "vegan".
  2. Ways to use orange icing: Use it to decorate cookies (such as gingerbread, shortbread, or sugar cookies). Or use it as a glaze to drizzle over muffins, scones, loaves, pound cake, etc.
  3. Storage tips: Icing is best made fresh and used immediately. If you must store extras: a) you can store it in a bowl by pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface of the icing, and then a second layer overtop of the bowl, or b) in a freezer bag, with the air removed and the top tightly sealed. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Icing will harden when exposed to air.
  4. Yield: Makes ¾ cup icing. Nutritional estimate assumes 1 to 1½ teaspoons per serving, but adjust to suit your needs.

Nutrition

Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg