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

1/2 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)

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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