Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Print Version)
A creamy vanilla buttercream that spreads beautifully and sets with a light crust, perfect for decorating sugar cookies.
# What You 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
# Directions:
01 - Beat softened butter in large mixing bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, approximately 1 minute.
02 - Gradually add powdered sugar while beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Scrape down bowl sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
03 - Pour in milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until mixture becomes light and fluffy.
04 - For thinner frosting, add additional milk 1 teaspoon at a time. For firmer texture, incorporate more powdered sugar until desired consistency is achieved.
05 - Spread or pipe frosting onto completely cooled sugar cookies. Let stand at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours to develop a slight crust.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in ten minutes flat, which means you can frost an entire batch of cookies during a single episode of your favorite show
- The frosting develops this gorgeous subtle crust that lets you stack cookies without everything turning into a sticky disaster
- You probably have every single ingredient in your kitchen right this second
02 -
- Room temperature butter makes the difference between silky frosting and a frustrating workout for your mixer
- This recipe doubles and triples beautifully without any adjustments to the method
- The frosting consistency will seem too thick at first but loosens up beautifully with just a teaspoon of milk
03 -
- Set your mixing bowl over a pot of simmering water for a minute if your butter is too cold but you're already committed to starting
- Add a teaspoon of light corn syrup if you want extra shine and a frosting that sets even firmer