Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe- Delicious & Simple
Craft beautifully decorated sugar cookies with this incredibly simple and deliciously smooth frosting. It's a no-fail recipe that comes together in minutes, offering a perfect balance of vanilla and almond flavors. This frosting sets just enough to stack cookies without cracking, making it ideal for any occasion from festive holidays to everyday treats.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes
Servings
Enough for 24-36 cookies
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Achieves a perfectly smooth, spreadable, and pipeable consistency every time.
- Comes together in just 10 minutes, making cookie decorating fast and fun.
- Infused with a delightful balance of classic vanilla and warm almond flavors.
- Sets nicely without becoming brittle, preventing cracks and smudges.
- Versatile for various decorating techniques, from simple spreading to intricate piping.
Ingredients
- 75g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 540g (4½ cups) powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar), sifted if clumpy
- 60ml (¼ cup) whole milk, plus 15-30ml (1-2 tablespoons) more as needed
- 2.5ml (½ teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
- 2.5ml (½ teaspoon) pure almond extract
- Gel food coloring (various colors for decorating)
Instructions
- Begin by creaming the softened unsalted butter in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, or until the butter is noticeably lightened in color and takes on a fluffy texture. This aeration is key for a smooth frosting.
- Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar into the creamed butter. Add it one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to prevent a sugar cloud and ensure it is fully integrated. Continuously scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Pour in the initial 60ml (¼ cup) of whole milk, along with the 2.5ml (½ teaspoon) of vanilla extract and 2.5ml (½ teaspoon) of almond extract. Start mixing on low speed until these liquids are just incorporated into the thick sugar-butter mixture. At this stage, the frosting will be very thick, resembling a dough.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue beating. Observe the consistency: if the frosting appears too thick or stiff for spreading or piping, add additional milk, one teaspoon (5ml) at a time, mixing well after each addition until your desired consistency is achieved. Avoid overmixing, as this can incorporate too much air, which might lead to a less smooth finish. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl thoroughly to ensure maximum smoothness.
- If you plan to use multiple colors for decorating, divide the prepared frosting into separate small bowls. Add just a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl, as gel colors are highly concentrated. Gently stir with a spoon or small spatula until the color is evenly distributed and vibrantly uniform. Continue to add drops until your desired shade is reached.
Tools You’ll Need
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowls (for coloring frosting, if desired)
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your unsalted butter is genuinely at room temperature; it should yield slightly when pressed but not be melted. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Sifting your powdered sugar before adding it to the butter can prevent lumps, resulting in an exceptionally smooth frosting texture.
- Add the extra milk slowly, just a teaspoon at a time, and mix well after each addition. It's much easier to thin frosting than to thicken it.
- Once the frosting reaches your desired consistency, avoid overmixing. Excessive beating can incorporate too much air, which might create unwanted air bubbles when decorating.
- For rich, vibrant colors without diluting the frosting, always opt for gel food coloring over liquid food coloring.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- A tiny pinch of fine salt (about ⅛ teaspoon) can significantly enhance the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness and making the vanilla and almond notes pop.
- For piping intricate designs, aim for a slightly firmer consistency than you would for spreading. If it's too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar; if too thick, a half-teaspoon of milk.
- After frosting your cookies, allow them to set uncovered at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the frosting firm up, preventing smudges and making them stackable.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature and re-whip briefly before using.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with other extracts like lemon, peppermint, or coconut. For a chocolate version, add 30g (¼ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder along with the powdered sugar.
- For dairy-free needs: Substitute unsalted butter with a high-quality vegan butter stick and whole milk with unsweetened plant-based milk (almond or oat work well).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sugar cookie frosting ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! This frosting can be prepared up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature, then give it a quick re-whip with your electric mixer to restore its smooth, fluffy texture.
Why is my frosting too thick or too thin?
The consistency of your frosting can vary based on factors like butter temperature and humidity. If it's too thick, add milk 5ml (one teaspoon) at a time, mixing after each addition until smooth. If it's too thin, gradually add more sifted powdered sugar, 15g (one tablespoon) at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
What's the best way to get vibrant colors for my cookie frosting?
For truly vibrant and intense colors without altering the frosting's consistency, always use gel food coloring. Unlike liquid food coloring, gel colors are highly concentrated, so you only need a few drops to achieve brilliant hues.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~150 per serving, Fat: ~6g, Saturated Fat: ~4g, Carbs: ~25g, Sugar: ~20g (estimated for a generous serving of frosting)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy. For individuals with dairy sensitivities or allergies, a delicious dairy-free version can be made by substituting the unsalted butter with a high-quality vegan butter stick and using an unsweetened plant-based milk alternative like almond or oat milk.
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