Gather the ingredients.
Sift 2 cups confectioners' sugar into a medium bowl.
Add ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons milk or hot water, and 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla to the confectioners' sugar. Stir to blend.
Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, adding a little more milk or hot water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
Drizzle the finished glaze over a cooled cake, quick bread, coffee cake, cupcakes, or other desserts. Serve and enjoy.
