Icing is a sweet, creamy mixture used to decorate and enhance the flavor of cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. It can be made from various ingredients, including powdered sugar, butter, and milk, and can be flavored with extracts or cocoa. Icing can be spread or piped onto desserts, creating a smooth or textured finish. There are several types of icing, such as buttercream, royal icing, and fondant. Each type has unique properties and uses; for example, royal icing hardens when dry, making it ideal for intricate designs, while buttercream is softer and easier to work with for spreading and piping.