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–+ servings
Creamy sugar cookie frosting recipe with a rich brown butter and salt infusion swirl on a baked cookie.

Creamy Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
A bakery-quality sugar cookie frosting that delivers a silky, pipeable texture with a hint of toasted warmth. It sets with a light crust, making it perfect for decorating and stacking holiday treats.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 76 kcal

Equipment

  • Stand mixer
  • Paddle attachment
  • Offset spatula

Ingredients
 

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Whip the butter base

  • Place the softened butter in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for approximately 30 seconds until the butter appears creamy and satiny. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure no unmixed streaks remain.

Bring it together without a sugar cloud

  • Add the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of the milk, and the vanilla extract to the bowl. Start the mixer on the lowest speed for about 15 seconds to allow the sugar to hydrate without creating a cloud.
  • Increase the speed to medium-high and whip for about 2 minutes until the frosting is pale, fluffy, and glossy. Stop halfway through to scrape the bowl thoroughly for an even emulsion.

Dial in the final texture for decorating

  • Add the final 1 tablespoon of milk and mix on medium-high for 15 to 30 seconds until the frosting reaches a pillowy consistency. It should hold soft peaks and flow cleanly from a spatula.
  • Adjust the consistency if needed: add a teaspoon of milk for a thinner dipping glaze, or a tablespoon of powdered sugar for a firmer piping texture. Use immediately or tint with gel food coloring.

Notes

Pro Tip: Always use the paddle attachment rather than a whisk to avoid incorporating large air bubbles, which ensures a smoother finish when piping or spreading.
Storage Tip: Once frosted, cookies can be stored at room temperature for 2 days. For best results, let the frosting crust for 12 to 24 hours before stacking or shipping.
Setting Time: Humidity affects how quickly the frosting sets. In dry environments, it may crust in 1 hour, while high humidity can require up to 4 hours to dry to the touch.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 76kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 0.1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1.9gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 1mgPotassium: 5mgSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1IUCalcium: 2mg
Keyword buttercream, holiday cookies, piping frosting, sugar cookie frosting recipe
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