Description
This classic Buttercream Frosting for Cookies is smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced in sweetness. It’s ideal for spreading, piping, and decorating cookies for any occasion. Easy to color, delicious to eat, and ready in minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (452g) powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk (regular, low-fat, or nondairy)
- Food coloring and/or sprinkles, if desired
Instructions
- Beat the butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth—about 1–2 minutes.
- Add powdered sugar and salt: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, along with the salt. Beat on low until combined, then on medium until fluffy.
- Add vanilla and milk: Pour in vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of milk. Beat on medium-high for 1–2 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add up to 1 more tablespoon of milk if needed for a softer, spreadable texture.
- Adjust consistency: For piping, use less milk for a thicker frosting. For spreading, add a splash more milk to loosen the texture.
- Color and decorate: Divide frosting into bowls and tint with food coloring as desired. Spread or pipe onto cooled cookies, then decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
Always start with room-temperature butter for the smoothest frosting. If your frosting becomes too soft, chill it for 10 minutes, then re-whip before decorating.