Description
This quick and creamy Sugar Cookie Frosting is perfect for decorating holiday cookies, birthday treats, or sugar cookie bars. Made with powdered sugar, butter, milk, and a blend of vanilla and almond extracts, it whips up in five minutes. Smooth, flavorful, and easy to color, it’s a must-have recipe for every home baker.
Ingredients
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2–3 tbsp milk (or almond/oat milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
Optional: 2 oz cream cheese for a tangier flavor
Optional: Gel food coloring
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Add milk gradually, 1 tbsp at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency (thicker for piping, thinner for spreading).
Mix in vanilla and almond extracts. Add cream cheese if using and blend until smooth.
Divide and color the frosting with gel food coloring, if desired. Mix gently until evenly blended.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container. Decorate cookies with piping bags, knives, or spatulas.
Notes
Always sift powdered sugar for the smoothest texture.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant results without thinning the frosting.
Let frosted cookies sit 10–15 minutes to allow icing to set.
Refrigerate frosting for up to 2 weeks; freeze for up to 3 months.
Let chilled frosting come to room temperature before using and stir to restore consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Frosting / Icing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sugar cookie frosting, easy cookie icing, buttercream for cookies, almond vanilla frosting, cookie decorating, holiday cookie icing, frosting with cream cheese, colorful cookie frosting