When it comes to decorating sugar cookies, the frosting is just as important as the cookie itself! This Sugar Cookie Frosting (Soft-Setting & Spreadable) perfect for creating a smooth, slightly glossy finish that holds up well but is still soft to the touch. Whether you’re decorating for a holiday, a special event, or just because, this frosting adds that perfect sweet touch to your cookies.
Ingredients
½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons milk (plus more as needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond for a twist)
Food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles for decorating (optional)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Beat butter: In a bowl, I beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy and pale, which takes about 1–2 minutes.
Add sugar: I gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing slowly at first to avoid a sugar cloud, and then beat until it’s fluffy.
Add liquid: Next, I stir in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, then beat the mixture for 1–2 minutes.
Adjust consistency: If needed, I add more milk (one teaspoon at a time) until I get the desired consistency—smooth but not runny.
Color & decorate: If I want colored frosting, I divide it and tint it with food coloring as desired. Then, I spread it with a knife or pipe it onto cooled sugar cookies. If I’m using sprinkles, I add them while the frosting is still wet.
Let set: I let the decorated cookies sit uncovered for 1–2 hours to allow the frosting to crust and set slightly. After a few hours, the cookies will be stackable with care.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes enough frosting to decorate about 18-24 medium-sized sugar cookies, depending on how thickly you apply the frosting. The prep time is around 10 minutes, and the frosting will set in about 1–2 hours.
Variations
Corn syrup for a glossier finish: If I want my frosting to have a shiny, glossy finish, I’ll add 1–2 teaspoons of light corn syrup to the mix.
Royal icing-style details: For more detailed decorations, I’ll use less milk and pipe the frosting with a fine tip.
Flavor options: I can switch up the flavor by using almond extract instead of vanilla for a different twist on the classic taste.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftover frosting, I store it in the fridge for up to a week. Before reusing, I bring it to room temperature and re-whip it for the best consistency.
FAQs
How long does the frosting take to set on the cookies?
It typically takes about 1–2 hours for the frosting to set enough for stacking, though it will continue to firm up as it sits.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes! I often make the frosting a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before using and give it a quick re-whip.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While I prefer unsalted butter for flavor, you can use margarine, but it may slightly affect the texture and taste of the frosting.
How can I make the frosting stiffer?
If I want a firmer frosting for piping more detailed designs, I reduce the amount of milk or add a little extra powdered sugar.
Can I use a different type of extract in the frosting?
Absolutely! I can use almond extract, lemon extract, or even peppermint extract to change up the flavor profile of the frosting.
Conclusion
This soft-setting, spreadable sugar cookie frosting is an easy, customizable, and delicious way to decorate sugar cookies for any occasion. I love how versatile it is—whether I’m using it for a simple cookie or adding extra touches like food coloring or sprinkles. With just a few ingredients, I can create frosting that’s perfectly smooth and holds up well, making my sugar cookies both beautiful and tasty!
Recipe:
Sugar Cookie Frosting (Soft-Setting & Spreadable)
- Total Time: 1–2 hours (for setting)
- Yield: Enough frosting for 18-24 medium-sized sugar cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This soft-setting and spreadable sugar cookie frosting creates a smooth, slightly glossy finish that holds up well and is perfect for decorating sugar cookies for any occasion.
Ingredients
½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons milk (plus more as needed)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond for a twist)
Food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions
- Beat butter: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy and pale, which takes about 1–2 minutes.
- Add sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing slowly at first to avoid a sugar cloud, then beat until it’s fluffy.
- Add liquid: Stir in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk, then beat the mixture for 1–2 minutes.
- Adjust consistency: Add more milk (one teaspoon at a time) until you get the desired consistency—smooth but not runny.
- Color & decorate: If desired, divide and tint the frosting with food coloring. Spread it with a knife or pipe it onto cooled sugar cookies. Add sprinkles while the frosting is still wet.
- Let set: Allow the decorated cookies to sit uncovered for 1–2 hours to allow the frosting to crust and set slightly. After a few hours, the cookies will be stackable with care.
Notes
If you prefer a glossier finish, add 1–2 teaspoons of light corn syrup.
For royal icing-style details, use less milk and pipe the frosting with a fine tip.
Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor twist.
Store leftover frosting in the fridge for up to a week. Re-whip after bringing it to room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
