Say hello to your new holiday (or anytime!) staple, Sugar Cookie Frosting. Velvety smooth, perfectly sweet, and endlessly customizable, this frosting transforms any simple sugar cookie into a work of edible art. It’s the kind you’ll find layered thick on cookies at the best neighborhood bakery, but it comes together in just minutes, with a handful of pantry basics and a splash of creativity. Whether you’re hosting a cookie decorating party or just want an excuse to play with sprinkles, this recipe promises a soft, creamy finish that sets beautifully for stacking but never turns rock hard. Trust me, once you whip up this batch, you’ll never settle for the store-bought stuff again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sugar Cookie Frosting is in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, delivering dreamy texture, luscious mouthfeel, and the classic vanilla-kissed flavor that pairs perfectly with any cookie canvas. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single one.
- Powdered Sugar: The secret to a silky-smooth frosting that’s never gritty — sifted for best results!
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to the perfect creaminess, it adds rich flavor and helps the frosting whip up fluffy and light.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla brings warmth and that nostalgic bakery aroma.
- Milk: Just enough to loosen the frosting and make it spreadable or pipe-able — use more for a softer finish.
- Pinch of Salt: Sharpens the sweetness and deepens flavor, balancing every sugary bite.
- Food Coloring (optional): Go wild with color! Gel or liquid varieties both work, turning every batch into a decorating adventure.
- Sprinkles for Decorating (optional): Add texture and whimsy on top — a must for festive occasions or kid-approved cookies!
How to Make Sugar Cookie Frosting
Step 1: Cream the Butter
Start by beating your softened butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s luxuriously creamy and pale. Don’t rush this step — the smoother your butter, the silkier your Sugar Cookie Frosting will turn out. You’re looking for a soft, spreadable texture that practically melts under the beaters.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar Gradually
With your mixer on low (trust me, unless you like sugar clouds!), slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Scrape down the sides as you go so everything gets evenly incorporated. After each addition, mix until smooth and fluffy — this is where you’ll see the base of your frosting start to form.
Step 3: Mix in Vanilla, Salt, and Milk
Pour in the vanilla extract and add a pinch of salt for flavor depth. Then drizzle in two tablespoons of milk and continue to beat your frosting. Watch the consistency — it should be creamy and spreadable, not runny. If it feels a bit thick, just add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s just right.
Step 4: Tint with Food Coloring (If You Want)
Ready to unleash your creative side? Divide the frosting into separate bowls, then stir in a few drops of food coloring. Soft pastels, bold primaries, or holiday hues — the possibilities are endless. Each color sets the stage for your cookie masterpiece!
Step 5: Decorate Your Cookies
Using a small offset spatula, butter knife, or piping bag, spread or swirl the Sugar Cookie Frosting generously over cooled cookies. Top with sprinkles while the frosting is still soft so they stick perfectly. If you want that signature bakery sheen, add a tablespoon of corn syrup for a subtle gloss.
How to Serve Sugar Cookie Frosting
Garnishes
Take your frosted cookies from lovely to unforgettable with colorful sprinkles, shimmering sugar crystals, mini chocolate chips, or even edible glitter. Let your personality shine through! Coordinate your toppings with holidays or special events for an extra dose of celebration.
Side Dishes
Sugar cookies with this frosting are perfectly delightful on their own, but they play especially well alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or an indulgent cup of coffee. For a party platter, surround them with other festive treats like peppermint bark or chocolate-dipped pretzels.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn a classic cookie into a personalized treat! Use stencils to add patterns, pipe names or holiday messages, or stack finished cookies in decorative jars as giftable works of art. Building a cookie decorating station? Set out bowls of tinted Sugar Cookie Frosting and all sorts of fun garnishes for an unforgettable activity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Sugar Cookie Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before reusing, let it soften at room temperature and give it a good stir to restore its creamy texture — it’ll taste just as dreamy as day one!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Sugar Cookie Frosting! Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then re-whip to bring back its fluffy consistency.
Reheating
No need to heat this frosting, but if it’s a bit stiff from the fridge or freezer, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If it’s still too firm, beat in a splash of milk to loosen things up. Just avoid microwaving, as that can melt your beautiful base.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter in a pinch, but be sure to omit the extra pinch of salt called for in the recipe. The frosting will be just as creamy and flavorful, though a touch saltier, which some people love for contrast!
How do I make the frosting stiffer for piping detailed designs?
For a firmer, pipe-able Sugar Cookie Frosting, simply reduce the milk by a teaspoon or two and add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. It’ll hold its shape perfectly for swirls or borders.
What type Dessert
Both liquid and gel food coloring work beautifully, but gel colors are more concentrated, so you can achieve bold hues without thinning out your frosting. A toothpick swirl goes a long way!
Can I make this frosting dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat. The texture and color will stay gorgeous, making this Sugar Cookie Frosting just as suitable for vegan or lactose-intolerant friends and family.
Will this frosting harden enough for stacking cookies?
Absolutely. The frosting sets with a soft crust, making it perfect for stacking and gifting, but it stays tender and delicious on the inside, never turning rock solid like royal icing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that one Sugar Cookie Frosting recipe you’ll crave year after year, this is it — simple, reliable, and so much fun to customize. Gather your favorite people, a stack of cookies, and all the sprinkles you can find. The only thing better than making these frosted treats is sharing (and devouring) them together!
Print
Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Frosts about 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This sugar cookie frosting recipe yields a creamy and fluffy frosting perfect for decorating sugar cookies. Customize with food coloring and sprinkles for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Powdered Sugar:
3 cups
Unsalted Butter (softened):
⅓ cup
Vanilla Extract:
1½ teaspoons
Milk:
2–3 tablespoons (more as needed)
Salt:
pinch
Food Coloring:
optional
Sprinkles:
for decorating (optional)
Instructions
- Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Flavor and Consistency: Add vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy, adding more milk if needed for desired consistency.
- Color and Decorate: If using food coloring, divide frosting into bowls, mix in coloring, and use immediately to frost cookies. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- This frosting sets with a soft, slightly crusted finish—ideal for stacking.
- For a glossier finish, add 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 frosted cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
