Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Printable Version)

Creamy vanilla buttercream that spreads beautifully and sets perfectly for decorating sugar 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

# How to Make:

01 - Beat softened butter in a large mixing bowl using 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 2-3 minutes until frosting becomes light and fluffy.
04 - For thinner frosting, add additional milk 1 teaspoon at a time. For firmer consistency, incorporate more powdered sugar.
05 - Spread or pipe frosting onto completely cooled sugar cookies. Let set at room temperature for 1-2 hours to develop a slight crust.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You probably have everything in your kitchen right now
  • It spreads like silk but holds its shape for piping
  • The texture after setting is absolute perfection
02 -
  • Room temperature butter means literally soft enough to leave a fingerprint but not melting
  • This frosting sets with a slight crust that keeps decorations from smudging
  • You can halve this recipe easily if you only need to frost a dozen cookies
03 -
  • Set your mixing bowl over a pot of simmering water for 30 seconds if your butter is too cold
  • Add a teaspoon of corn syrup for extra shine and slightly better structure

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