Sugar Cookie Frosting
This smooth, creamy sugar cookie frosting is perfect for decorating cookies with sweet vanilla flavor and optional food coloring for festive looks. Easy to make with simple ingredients.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer medium speed setting
- 1 knife or offset spatula for frosting application
Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or almond extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: food coloring
Instructions
- Beat softened butter in a large mixing bowl on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated; scrape bowl sides as needed.
- Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then pour in 2 tablespoons milk or cream and beat on medium speed until smooth.
- Adjust consistency by adding more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin to reach desired texture.
- If desired, mix in a few drops of food coloring until evenly blended.
- Frost cookies using a knife, offset spatula, or piping bag and decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar while frosting is still wet.
Notes
- Chill frosting 10 minutes before piping for firmer consistency and cleaner lines.
- For lighter texture, beat frosting longer to aerate.
- Substitute lemon juice for vanilla for a citrus twist.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days.