Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe
This easy sugar cookie frosting recipe is perfect for decorating sugar cookies. With options for buttercream, royal icing, or glaze frosting, you can create smooth, creamy finishes for your cookies, adding color and texture for any occasion.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Piping bags (optional for decorating)
- Spatula or offset spatula for spreading
- Food coloring (optional)
Ingredients
- For Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk depending on desired consistency
- For Royal Icing Optional:
- 2 egg whites or 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Water for thinning
- For Glaze Frosting Optional:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
Instructions
- Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk to reach the desired consistency.
- For colored frosting, divide the frosting and mix in food coloring.
- Royal Icing (Optional):
- Beat egg whites or meringue powder with powdered sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Add lemon juice and water to adjust the consistency, depending on how you plan to pipe or flood your cookies.
- Use immediately for decorating.
- Glaze Frosting (Optional):
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and corn syrup in a bowl.
- Stir until smooth and glossy. Adjust thickness by adding more milk for a thinner glaze.
- Dip cookies into the glaze or spread with a spatula.
Notes
- Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk for the desired thickness. Thicker frosting is great for spreading, while thinner frosting is better for piping.
- Storage: Store unused frosting in an airtight container. Buttercream frosting can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week.
- Customization: Add food coloring to make your frosting vibrant. Use different frosting types for different cookie designs, from simple spreading to intricate piping.
