Sugar Cookie Frosting

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This Sugar Cookie Frosting is the ultimate creamy-sweet topper for all your cookie decorating dreams. With its smooth, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor, it spreads like a dream and sets with just the right amount of crust—perfect for stacking and gifting! Whether you’re prepping for a holiday cookie swap or a cozy weekend baking session, this frosting brings out the best in every sugar cookie bite.

Unlike royal icing, which can be fussy and finicky, this frosting is approachable and forgiving. It whips up in minutes with simple pantry staples, but tastes bakery-level luxurious. Customize it with food coloring or extracts for any occasion, or keep it classic and let the vanilla shine.

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Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Frosting

• Perfectly Soft Yet Stackable: It forms a light crust so cookies can be stacked without smudging.
• Rich Flavor: The butter and vanilla combo gives a decadent base that complements any cookie.
• Customizable: Add your favorite colors or flavors to match holidays, parties, or themes.
• Quick to Make: Only takes about 5 minutes with basic tools and ingredients.
• Kid-Friendly: Easy for little hands to help spread or pipe.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting the right texture for Sugar Cookie Frosting is all about the tools and technique. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Crucial for achieving that fluffy, whipped consistency. A hand mixer works well for small batches, while a stand mixer is great for larger quantities.
• Mixing Bowl: Use a deep bowl to avoid sugar dust flying everywhere during mixing.
• Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the bowl and spreading frosting onto cookies.
• Piping Bags and Tips (optional): For those who want to create detailed designs, a basic round or star tip will do wonders.

Start with softened butter to avoid lumps, and sift your powdered sugar for the silkiest finish. A little patience during mixing makes all the difference!

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Ingredients for the Sugar Cookie Frosting

Each ingredient in this frosting plays a key role in creating that creamy, dreamy texture and flavor:

• Unsalted Butter – This is the creamy foundation that gives the frosting its rich flavor and smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar – Essential for structure and sweetness; it helps thicken and stabilize the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
• Milk or Heavy Cream – Adjusts the consistency and contributes to the luscious mouthfeel.
• Pinch of Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and cuts through the sweetness just slightly.

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How To Make the Sugar Cookie Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it’s creamy and pale in color. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add in the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time. Beat on low at first (to avoid sugar clouds), then increase to medium-high until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Milk

Pour in the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Beat again until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 4: Color and Flavor (Optional)

If you’re adding food coloring or other extracts (like almond or peppermint), mix them in at this stage until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Frost Your Cookies

Spread with a spatula or pipe with a piping bag. Let the frosting sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes to form a light crust if you plan to stack them.

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How to Serve & Store This Frosting

Frosted sugar cookies can be served immediately or after setting to allow the frosting to crust. They’re ideal for party trays, cookie boxes, or gifting.

To store, place unused frosting in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When ready to use, bring to room temperature and re-whip if needed. Frosted cookies can be stored at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the frosting stiff enough to pipe?

Use less milk or cream and beat the frosting longer to make it thicker for piping.

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes! Make it up to 5 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I freeze this frosting?

Absolutely. Freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and re-whip before using.

Does it harden like royal icing?

No, but it does develop a light crust that makes cookies stackable.

Can I use this frosting on cakes too?

Yes, it’s great for cakes, cupcakes, and bars!

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Want More Frosting & Dessert Ideas?

If you love this Sugar Cookie Frosting, you’ll definitely want to try these other sweet creations:

• Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie – a silky slice of Southern comfort.
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – the best of two favorites in one.
• Winter Brittle – a crunchy holiday favorite with buttery flavor.
• Amish Applesauce Cake – moist, lightly spiced, and soul-warming.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups – gooey and decadent in every bite.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you tint it pastel or go bold? Did you use a star tip or just a spoon?

I love seeing how everyone personalizes their creations. Questions are welcome too—let’s make every batch better together!

More frosting and decorating inspo awaits on Pinterest @Americanrecipesbyheart.

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