Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Printable Version)
Fluffy vanilla buttercream that spreads smoothly and sets with a slight crust for decorated cookies.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 - Place softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, approximately 1 minute.
02 - Gradually add sifted 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 frosting becomes light and fluffy.
04 - For thinner frosting, add additional milk 1 teaspoon at a time. For firmer texture, incorporate more powdered sugar gradually.
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 -
- You probably have everything in your pantry right now
- It sets just enough to stack cookies but stays soft beneath
- The texture is silky smooth without any fancy techniques
- Kids can help with every single step
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent that dreaded curdled look
- Sifting the powdered sugar is worth the extra thirty seconds
- Completely cooled cookies are non negotiable or the frosting will melt right off
03 -
- Use the paddle attachment instead of the whisk for denser, smoother frosting
- For ultra white frosting, use clear vanilla extract instead of traditional
- A small angled spatula gives you the most professional looking results