Sugar Cookie Frosting

Sugar cookie frosting is the perfect topping to elevate your cookies with vibrant colors and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re decorating for holidays, birthdays, or just because, this frosting is easy to make and holds its shape beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make: Simple ingredients and quick to prepare.
  • Versatile: Customize the colors and flavors to suit any occasion.
  • Perfect consistency: Smooth, creamy, and ideal for piping or spreading.
  • Set to perfection: Dries to a soft, shiny finish that looks professional.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Powdered sugar
  • Heavy cream or milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract (optional)
  • Food coloring (optional)

Directions

  1. Cream the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
  2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully combined.
  3. Incorporate liquid ingredients: Add heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  4. Adjust consistency: Add more powdered sugar for thicker frosting or more cream for a thinner texture.
  5. Color the frosting: Divide into bowls and mix in food coloring as desired.
  6. Frost cookies: Use a spatula, piping bag, or knife to decorate your cookies. Allow the frosting to set before stacking.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Frosts approximately 24 cookies
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

  • Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest for a zesty flavor boost.
  • Chocolate Frosting: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolatey version.
  • Peppermint Frosting: Replace almond extract with peppermint extract for a festive holiday twist.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use non-dairy milk.
  • Royal Icing Alternative: Use egg whites and powdered sugar for a smoother, glossy icing that hardens completely.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Reheating: Allow chilled frosting to come to room temperature and rewhip before using.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

How do I prevent my frosting from being too sweet?

Use a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice to cut the sweetness.

What type of food coloring works best?

Gel food coloring is ideal for vibrant hues without altering the frosting’s consistency.

Can I freeze sugar cookie frosting?

Yes, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and rewhip before using.

How do I make the frosting glossy?

Add a touch of corn syrup to achieve a glossy finish.

Why is my frosting too runny?

Gradually add more powdered sugar to thicken it.

Can I pipe intricate designs with this frosting?

Yes, this frosting holds its shape well, making it great for piping. Chill it slightly if needed for extra firmness.

Is this frosting safe for children to eat?

Yes, this recipe uses standard pantry ingredients and is safe for all ages.

Can I use this frosting for cakes or cupcakes?

Absolutely! It works wonderfully for cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods.

Can I flavor this frosting differently?

Yes, you can add different extracts such as coconut, almond, or maple for unique flavors.

Conclusion

Sugar cookie frosting is the ultimate way to add flavor and flair to your cookies. With its creamy texture, customizable options, and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and again. Start decorating your cookies with this delicious frosting today and make your baked creations truly special!

Print
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Sugar Cookie Frosting

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  • Author: clara
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2430 cookies 1x
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Sugar Cookie Frosting is smooth, creamy, and perfect for decorating cookies. It hardens just enough for stacking but stays soft and flavorful for eating. With a buttery vanilla taste, it pairs beautifully with your favorite sugar cookies and can be tinted with food coloring for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted for best results)
  • 24 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
  2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. Incorporate liquid: Add 2 tablespoons of milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium speed until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  4. Color the frosting: Divide the frosting into bowls and mix in food coloring as desired. Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without affecting the consistency.
  5. Frost the cookies: Spread or pipe onto cooled sugar cookies. For a smooth finish, use an offset spatula or piping bag with a fine tip.
  6. Set the frosting: Allow the frosted cookies to sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours to let the frosting slightly harden, making them stackable.

Notes

  • Substitute almond or lemon extract for vanilla to create unique flavors.
  • For a glossier finish, mix in 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup.
  • Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.

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