Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Print version)
A quick, creamy vanilla buttercream that spreads smoothly and sets perfectly for decorating your favorite treats.
# What you'll need:
→ Butter Mixture
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
→ Sweetener
02 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
→ Flavors
03 - 2 tablespoons whole milk, plus more as needed
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - Pinch of salt
# How to make it:
01 - Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
02 - Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
03 - Add the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
04 - For a thinner consistency, add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time. For a firmer frosting, add additional powdered sugar.
05 - Spread or pipe the frosting onto completely cooled sugar cookies. Allow to set at room temperature for 1–2 hours to form a slight crust.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- The texture is silky smooth without being greasy or heavy
- It creates that perfect slight crust that protects your decorated cookies
- You probably have every ingredient in your kitchen right now
02 -
- This frosting sets over time, but it will not harden like royal icing. It is meant to be creamy and spreadable.
- Butter temperature matters more than you think. If your butter is too soft, the frosting will be too loose.
- Humidity affects this frosting. On rainy days, you might need a bit more powdered sugar to get the right consistency.
03 -
- For extra vanilla flavor, scrape the seeds from half a vanilla bean into the butter before you start creaming it.
- Add a drop of almond extract along with the vanilla for a bakery style flavor that people cannot quite identify but love.
- If you are making flowers or detailed decorations, let the frosting sit for fifteen minutes after mixing. It firms up slightly and holds shapes better.