Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Vanilla Buttercream)
This Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe is based on my favorite vanilla buttercream recipe. It’s a frosting that hardens as it dries, which makes it the best recipe for decorating sugar cookies.
Servings: 1 -2 cups frosting
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2-4 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
- food coloring, if desired
- pinch of salt
- raw sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- With a standing mixer or hand mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes--it seems like a long time, but it's worth it!).
- Add in powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time (beginning with only 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar), beating well after each addition.
- Add in vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2 Tbsp of heavy whipping cream, beating well.
- If the frosting seems too thin, add in the remaining powdered sugar. If it's too thick, add in the remaining heavy whipping cream.
- Add in a pinch of salt to offset the sweetness of the frosting.
- If desired, add food coloring.
- Spread or pipe onto cookie.
- If desired, add a sprinkle of raw sugar on top. It makes the frosting shimmer a bit, but it's completely optional.
- Enjoy!
- If making ahead of time, keep frosting in the fridge, and then let the frosting come to room temperature before spreading onto cookies.
Notes
*Allow the frosting to dry (10-15 minutes or so) before stacking in an airtight container.
**You can omit the almond extract if you prefer.
***Finally, to make a pure white frosting, I recommend using a clear vanilla extract.