Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Printable)
Creamy vanilla buttercream that spreads smoothly and sets with a light crust for decorated sugar cookies.
# What You'll Need:
→ Butter Mixture
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
→ Sweetener
02 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
→ Flavors
03 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - Pinch of salt
# How-To Steps:
01 - Beat softened butter in a large mixing bowl 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.
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 Advice:
01 -
- You probably have everything in your kitchen right now
- It sets just enough to stack cookies but stays wonderfully soft underneath
02 -
- Room temperature butter means truly soft, not just slightly less cold
- Overbeating once the sugar is added can make the frosting grainy and weird
03 -
- Use the back of a spoon dipped in hot water for perfectly smooth swoops and swirls
- Warm your spatula under hot water for spreading without dragging