A smooth vanilla buttercream that spreads and pipes easily.

introduction

This Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Vanilla Buttercream) is quick to make and tastes light and sweet. It works well on cut-out cookies and simple drop cookies, and it pairs nicely with soft cookies like 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Cookies for a fast treat.

why make this recipe

• It is simple and fast to mix.
• It holds shape for piping and can be spread smooth.
• You can color it any shade for holidays or parties.
• It uses common pantry ingredients you likely have.

how to make Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Vanilla Buttercream)

Use a standing mixer or hand mixer for best texture. Beat the butter until it is light and pale. Add powdered sugar slowly so the frosting stays smooth. Add extracts and cream, then adjust thickness by adding more sugar or cream. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. If you want color, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until even.

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

Directions :

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.

how to serve Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Vanilla Buttercream)

Spread or pipe onto cooled sugar cookies. Use a small offset spatula for smooth tops or a piping bag for borders and decorations. You can also frost cupcakes or bars. This frosting also tastes great on warm maple or brown sugar cookies like brown sugar maple cookies.

how to store Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Vanilla Buttercream)

Keep leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip briefly before using to restore its texture. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw in the fridge.

tips to make Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Vanilla Buttercream)

• Beat the butter until pale and fluffy for a light frosting.
• Add powdered sugar slowly to avoid lumps.
• If frosting is too thick, add cream 1 tablespoon at a time.
• If too thin, add powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time.
• Use gel food coloring for brighter color with less liquid.
• Let cookies cool fully before spreading frosting.

variation (if any)

• Chocolate: Add 2-3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder and adjust sugar.
• Citrus: Replace 1/2 tsp vanilla with 1 tsp lemon or orange zest for a fresh note.
• Cream cheese: Swap half the butter for cream cheese for tangy frosting.

FAQs

Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes, but omit or reduce the extra pinch of salt in the recipe.

Q: How do I make the frosting stiffer for piping shapes?
A: Add more powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until it reaches the thickness you want.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but heavy cream gives a richer, smoother texture. Use milk if needed and add less at first.

Q: How long does the frosting keep at room temperature on cookies?
A: If left at room temp, consume within one day. Store extras in the fridge.

Q: Can I color the frosting without changing taste?
A: Yes. Use gel food coloring for bright color with little effect on taste.

Conclusion

For another clear example and tips for sugar cookie buttercream, see Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting – Design Eat Repeat.

Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting (Vanilla Buttercream)

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• Author: make-recipe
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Sugar Cookie Frosting is quick to make and perfect for spreading or piping on cookies.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Beat the butter until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2 Tbsp of heavy whipping cream, beating well.
4. If the frosting seems too thin, add remaining powdered sugar.
5. If it’s too thick, add remaining heavy whipping cream.
6. Add a pinch of salt to offset the sweetness.
7. If desired, add food coloring.
8. Spread or pipe onto cooled cookies, and sprinkle with raw sugar if desired.
9. Enjoy!
10. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

Let frosting come to room temperature and re-whip before using if stored.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg