Sugar Cookie Frosting

This creamy and delicious frosting is the perfect topping for sugar cookies.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Total Time 10

Servings - 40 (makes approximately 2-½ cups of frosting)

Calories 153kcal

Author Allison - Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened to cool room temp (still cool to the touch)
3 cups powdered sugar* sifted if lumpy
1 tablespoon half and half or milk* plus more as needed
1 ¾ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
pinch salt

Instructions

Sugar cookie frosting:

Using a hand mixer, or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and half of the powdered sugar until well-combined (starting out the mixer low and increasing to medium-high). Slowly add the remaining powdered sugar (while beating), followed by extracts, pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon milk. Continue to add more milk, a little bit at a time, until you get a creamy spreadable frosting. If desired, you can add food coloring at this point.
Turn the mixer to medium-high and beat well. Depending on how thick you want the frosting, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar (to thicken) or more milk (to thin).

Frosting to spread or pipe:

Use a piping bag, small knife, or spreader to add the frosting to baked and cooled sugar cookies. Immediately top with sprinkles, if using.

Melted dippable frosting:

Prepare the frosting above adding extra powdered sugar and milk (see note).
Working with half of the frosting at a time: Place frosting in a wide shallow bowl and microwave for 15-20 seconds. Stir really well. The frosting should be melty and thin. Microwave for a few more seconds, and add a splash of milk, if necessary, to get it thin enough.
Working quickly, dip each sugar cookie face down into the frosting. Move the cookie around a bit, then flip it over and jiggle it back and forth to get the frosting to settle into an even layer. Top with sprinkles, if using, then set aside to allow the frosting to set.
Note: The frosting will firm up as it cools, so you might need to microwave it again to thin it out. Once you have used the first half of the frosting, proceed with microwaving the second half.

Video

Notes

*For melted dippable buttercream: add an additional cup of powdered sugar and increase the milk to 3 tablespoons (plus more, as needed).

Storage

Frosting can be stored in the refrigerator (in an airtight container) for up to one week. Bring frosting to room temperature before using it. Note: frosting can absorb odors from the fridge so make sure it is well sealed.

Chill frosted cookies in a single layer until the frosting firms up. If you add sprinkles and/or sparkling sugar to your frosted cookies I find that this creates a nice barrier for stacking.

Stack and store chilled cookies, tightly sealed, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQ: Does this frosting harden?

This frosting will harden when chilled (a bit softer than cold butter), but it will soften when it is at room temperature.

Melted buttercream technique inspired by Jenny Cookies.

Nutrition