I am a fan of icing! Icing on all kinds of sweet treats, such as sugar cookies, cupcakes and cake. I had always purchased the color of icing I was wanting to top those baked goodies with. Having a hard time sometimes finding the exact color I truly wanted. One in particular, dusty rose color icing. A nice dusty pink shade. I like an easy and quick way to help with achieving things when baking. And here I have one. If you would like to learn how to make dusty rose icing for cupcakes and cookies, please keep reading.
To me, Dusty Rose is a nice warm color. There are many times and occasions you could consider using this shade of icing. Of course, I think of fall. But it is nice to use during any season of the year. Some times that may come to mind to consider dusty rose icing are for Valentine's Day, on wedding cakes, birthday cakes, at baby showers, and a dessert table at a graduation party. Like adding sugar cookies and cupcakes to it. Looking for a delicious sugar cookie recipe? Please check out Copycat Potbelly Sugar Cookie Recipes-Deliciously Amazing!
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Frugal Tip
I did not have red gel icing. Rather than an extra stop at one of my favorite grocery stores, I used red food coloring I already had. This worked perfectly and gave me the desired dusty rose color icing I was wanting. So that is what is included in this recipe.
What colors make dusty rose?
The color dusty rose is a pink shade. Although there are various ways to achieve a shade of dusty rose icing, this is the shade I was going for. I added red food coloring, black and also pink icing gel to white icing.
I found that by using less food coloring and more of the icing gel, the consistency was not runny. The number of drops of each in this recipe were just the right amount.
A great thing about this recipe is that you can make a little bit or a lot of it. For example, making sugar cookies and want an array of icing colors? And only need a little bit of dusty rose coloring? This recipe makes ¼ a cup of dusty rose icing. So, there is no need for waste. It can be made in larger quantities as well if desired.

Ingredients
- White icing
- Black icing gel
- Pink Icing gel
- Red food coloring
Items needed to make Dusty Rose Icing
- Small bowl
- Electric mixer-optional
- Spoon
Optional items once your dusty rose icing is made.
- Pastry bag/piping bag
If you do not have a pastry bag or a piping bag that is okay. You can always use a baggie to make a homemade one. Put some of the dusty rose color icing in a baggie and snip the corner off of one end. Voila there you have one. And money is saved on the cost of the item by not going out and buying one.
You can also just add a small drop of icing putting just the right amount onto your baked good.
How to make dusty rose icing color
To me, the best way to make the perfect shade of dusty rose icing is very simple. It only consists of four ingredients including three being different colors. Here is a step-by-step guide to make this color pink.
- You will need three specific colors. I used black icing gel, pink icing gel and red food coloring. Combine the following together in a small bowl with your white icing.
- ¼ cup of store bought or homemade white icing.
- 6 drops of black icing gel.
- 2 drops of pink icing gel.
- 6 drops of red food coloring.
2. Stir well with a spoon until you get the desired amount of dusty rose color pink you would like.
3. If not using right away, place your icing in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. When ready to use, I've found the easiest way to soften the icing again is sitting out at room temperature. This should not take long.

How to Make Dusty Rose Icing for Cupcakes and Cookies!
Equipment
- 1 small bowl
- 1 electric mixer-optional
- 1 spoon
Ingredients
- ¼ cup of homemade or store-bought white icing.
- 6 drops red food coloring
- 6 drops black icing gel
- 2 drops pink icing gel
Instructions
- You will need three specific colors. I used black icing gel, pink icing gel and red food coloring. Add all of the food colors to the white icing.
- Stir well with a spoon until you get the desired color.
- If not using right away, place your icing in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. When ready to use, I’ve found the easiest way to soften the icing again is sitting out at room temperature. This should not take long.
Kirsten Smith says
Looks delicious!
Amy says
Thank you!!
Brandi Sunrises2Sunsets says
I'm in love with the color!!
Amy says
Thank you!! I think it is a really pretty color.