Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Printable View)
A creamy, sweet frosting perfect for decorating sugar cookies with a soft, glossy finish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base Frosting
01 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
02 - 2-3 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - Pinch of salt
→ Optional Add-ins
06 - Food coloring (gel or liquid), as desired
07 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for flavor variation
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium mixing bowl, beat powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and mixture appears crumbly.
02 - Add milk gradually, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Continue until smooth, spreadable consistency forms. Use less milk for piping stiffness or more milk for thin glazing.
03 - Stir in almond extract if using and add food coloring drop by drop. Mix thoroughly until color distributes evenly throughout frosting.
04 - Apply frosting immediately to completely cooled sugar cookies. Let decorated cookies rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour to allow frosting surface to set completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This frosting comes together in mere minutes with pantry staples you probably already have on hand
- The consistency is incredibly forgiving whether you are spreading it with a knife or piping delicate designs
02 -
- Adding too much milk at once will leave you with runny frosting that slides right off your cookies
- This frosting sets but stays soft enough to bite through without cracking
03 -
- Warm your mixing bowl with hot water and dry thoroughly before starting to help the butter blend more easily
- For an ultra glossy finish dip your freshly frosted cookies upside down into a plate of sprinkles before the frosting sets