Vanilla Buttercream Sugar Cookie Frosting (Print Page)

A quick creamy vanilla frosting that sets beautifully on decorated sugar cookies

# What You Need:

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

02 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

03 - 2 tablespoons whole milk (plus more as needed)

04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

05 - Pinch of salt

01 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.

02 - Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low until incorporated. Scrape the bowl as needed.

03 - Add the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

04 - For a thinner consistency, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time. For a firmer frosting, add a little more powdered sugar.

05 - Spread or pipe onto completely cooled sugar cookies. Allow to set at room temperature for 1–2 hours for a slight crust.

01 -

It comes together in literally ten minutes with ingredients you already have in your pantry
The texture is absolute perfection fluffy enough to pipe smoothly yet firm enough to hold its shape when you want those perfect swirls and waves

02 -

This frosting sets with a slight crust after sitting at room temperature, which makes it perfect for stacking and storing
Electric mixers are not optional. I tried beating this by hand once and my arm felt like it was going to fall off after three minutes

03 -

Scrape down the bowl twice during mixing to ensure every bit of butter is incorporated
Add any flavor extracts like almond or lemon after the vanilla for endless variations