Best Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe (Vanilla Buttercream)
Elevate your sugar cookies to bakery-worthy status with this incredibly easy and delicious vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfectly creamy, subtly sweet, and wonderfully adaptable, this recipe guarantees a smooth, spreadable texture that's ideal for both piping intricate designs and simple frosting. It's the ultimate complement to any sugar cookie, adding that classic, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes
Servings
Enough to generously frost 2-3 dozen standard sugar cookies
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Achieves a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency every time.
- Versatile for both spreading and piping onto cookies.
- Features a classic, comforting vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with sugar cookies.
- Quick to prepare, making cookie decorating a breeze.
- Customizable with food coloring and flavor extracts.
Ingredients
- 113 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 300-420 grams (2 1/2 – 3 1/2 cups) powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar), sifted
- 5 mL (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 1.25 mL (1/4 teaspoon) almond extract (optional)
- 30-60 mL (2-4 tablespoons) heavy whipping cream
- Food coloring, if desired
- A pinch of fine sea salt
- Raw sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter. With a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using an electric hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed for approximately two minutes. This crucial step incorporates air, making the butter light, pale, and fluffy, which is essential for a smooth buttercream.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar. Begin adding the powdered sugar, starting with 300 grams (2 1/2 cups), half a cup at a time, to the beaten butter. Mix on low speed until combined after each addition, then increase speed to medium and beat well for about 30 seconds. This gradual process prevents a cloud of sugar and ensures smooth incorporation.
- Incorporate Flavor and Moisture. With the mixer on low, add the 5 mL (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract, 1.25 mL (1/4 teaspoon) almond extract (if using), and 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of heavy whipping cream. Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Adjust Consistency. Assess the frosting's consistency. If it appears too thin or needs to be stiffer for piping, gradually add the remaining powdered sugar (up to 120 grams or 1 cup more), one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. If the frosting is too thick, incorporate the remaining 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of heavy whipping cream, one teaspoon at a time, until your desired spreadable or pipeable consistency is achieved.
- Balance Sweetness with Salt. Add a small pinch of fine sea salt to the frosting. This simple addition helps to cut through the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the vanilla buttercream without making it salty.
- Add Food Coloring (Optional). If you desire colored frosting, add a few drops of food coloring at this stage. Mix on low speed until the color is evenly distributed and reaches your preferred hue. Start with a small amount, as colors intensify with mixing.
- Frost Your Cookies. Use an offset spatula or a piping bag fitted with your chosen tip to spread or pipe the frosting evenly onto your cooled sugar cookies.
- Garnish (Optional). For a beautiful sparkle and textural contrast, sprinkle a small amount of raw sugar over the freshly frosted cookies before the frosting sets. This step is entirely optional but adds a lovely visual appeal.
- Enjoy. Allow the frosting to set slightly at room temperature before serving, typically about 15-30 minutes, or longer if piping intricate designs.
- Advanced Preparation and Storage. If preparing the frosting ahead of time, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. When ready to use, allow the frosting to come to room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes, then re-whip with an electric mixer for a few minutes until it is light, fluffy, and smooth again.
Tools You’ll Need
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment or electric hand mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Piping bags and tips (optional, for decorating)
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your unsalted butter is genuinely softened to room temperature, but not melted. This is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture.
- Sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the butter to prevent lumps and ensure a perfectly smooth frosting.
- Add the heavy whipping cream gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Different brands of powdered sugar absorb liquid differently.
- For best flavor, use a high-quality vanilla extract. You can also experiment with other extracts like peppermint or lemon for different flavor profiles.
- If your kitchen is warm, your frosting may become too soft. If this happens, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, then re-whip briefly before using.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra-rich and velvety texture, substitute half of the heavy whipping cream with full-fat sour cream or cream cheese, especially if you enjoy a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- To make your frosting colors truly pop, add gel food coloring a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gel colors are more concentrated and won't thin out your frosting like liquid dyes.
- If preparing ahead for piping, gently press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the frosting before refrigerating to prevent a crust from forming. Re-whip briefly to restore smoothness when ready to use.
Notes
- Storage: This buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and re-whip with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy again. If it seems too stiff, add a tiny splash of cream.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts! Try substituting part of the vanilla with lemon, orange, peppermint, or even a touch of coffee extract for unique flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free Note: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check labels for any cross-contamination if severe allergies are a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my frosting too thin/thick?
The consistency of buttercream can be sensitive to the amount of powdered sugar and cream added, as well as ambient temperature. If it's too thick, add more heavy whipping cream, one teaspoon at a time. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I make this frosting dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a high-quality plant-based butter alternative and use full-fat canned coconut cream (chilled, scoop out the thick cream part) instead of heavy whipping cream for a delicious dairy-free version.
How long does it take for the frosting to set on cookies?
This buttercream will form a light crust in about 1-2 hours at room temperature, making cookies stackable. If you need it to set faster or if your environment is humid, you can place the frosted cookies in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 90-110, Total Fat: 6-8g, Saturated Fat: 4-5g, Carbohydrates: 12-15g, Sugars: 11-14g (per 2 tablespoon serving, estimates vary based on ingredients and exact portion size).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy. While naturally gluten-free, always check ingredient labels for any hidden allergens or cross-contamination warnings, especially for powdered sugar which can sometimes contain cornstarch.
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