Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting is a delightful and creamy topping that transforms any sweet treat into something special. With its rich flavor and smooth texture, this frosting elevates sugar cookies from simple snacks to a hit at parties or family gatherings. It’s almost like a warm hug in frosting form! What I love most is that it perfectly captures the essence of classic sugar cookies, blending buttery goodness with a hint of vanilla that feels both comforting and celebratory.

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I still remember the first time I whipped up a batch of sugar cookie buttercream frosting for my daughter’s birthday. The excited chatter around the table as we decorated cookies illustrated the joy this frosting brings. It’s easy to whip up, boasts a quick prep time, and can serve a crowd with just one recipe. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can elevate cookies, cakes, or even cupcakes with this frosting that is not only sweet but also oh-so-delicious. I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, and I hope you love it as much as we do.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, this frosting is a breeze to make.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is creamy and bursting with buttery goodness and vanilla.
Eye-Catching Appeal: It’s perfect for decorating cookies and can be made in fun colors!
Flexible Serving: Great for any occasion like parties, holidays, or just a sweet snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted to be gluten-free if you use the right ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature: The rich base of our frosting provides that creamy texture and great flavor. Ensure it’s softened for the best results.
5 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted: This finely powdered sugar gives the frosting its sweet taste and helps achieve that fluffy consistency. Sifting prevents lumps, so don’t skip this step!
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the frosting. Always opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor.
2 to 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream: This is essential for achieving the perfect consistency. Start with two tablespoons and add more until you reach your desired texture.
Food coloring (optional): Feel free to use this to customize your frosting for special occasions. Gel colors work best for vibrant hues without changing consistency.

How to Make Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting

Cream the Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer), cream 1 ½ cups of room temperature unsalted butter on medium-high speed for about 6 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
Incorporate Sugar: Lower the mixer speed and gradually add in 5 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar, continuing to beat the mixture until everything is well blended and the sugar is incorporated.
Add Vanilla and Cream: Mix in 1 ½ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream on low speed until it’s moistened and combined.
Adjust Consistency: If you desire a lighter frosting, add up to an additional tablespoon of milk or cream, mixing until desired consistency is achieved.
Beat for Fluffy Texture: Increase the speed to high and beat for an additional 5 minutes, or until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Color the Frosting (optional): If you want to make multi-colored frosting, you can divide it into smaller bowls and add gel food coloring, starting with 1-3 drops, mixing well before adjusting as desired.

Now you have your sugar cookie buttercream frosting ready to spread or pipe onto your cooled sugar cookies! This frosting is versatile and works well with various baked goods.

Storing & Reheating

To store your buttercream frosting, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week in a tightly sealed container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the fridge overnight. When ready to use, rewhip with an electric mixer for a minute or two to revive its texture. Be mindful that refrigeration or freezing may slightly change the flavor or consistency; whipping it again will help.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the frosting once you’ve reached a creamy consistency; it can become too soft if whipped too long.
For the best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature to create that airy texture in your frosting.
If your frosting seems too thick, add milk or cream gradually. If it’s too thin, mix in more confectioners’ sugar.
Make a batch ahead of time for parties and store it in the fridge. It’s always a hit and saves you time on decorating day!

I encourage you to get creative and experiment with different colors and designs. This sugar cookie buttercream frosting can turn an ordinary dessert into a memorable treat. No matter how you use it, I hope it fills your home with warmth and sweetness.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter, but keep in mind it might affect the flavor and texture. Aim for a high-quality margarine for the best results.

How can I make this frosting dairy-free?

To create a dairy-free version, just replace the milk or cream with any non-dairy milk-like coconut or almond milk and use dairy-free margarine in place of butter.

How do I get fluffy frosting?

To achieve a light and fluffy frosting, ensure your butter is well-creamed and start mixing on low speed before gradually increasing. Beating at high speed for the last few minutes is key!

Can I use this frosting on cakes?

Absolutely! This sugar cookie buttercream frosting works beautifully on cakes, cupcakes, or even as a filling for layered desserts. Feel free to spread it generously!

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Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 36 servings 1x
Category: Frosting
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting is a delightful treat perfect for spreading on cookies or cakes. With its creamy texture and sweet vanilla flavor, it transforms any dessert into a showstopper. Simple to prepare, this frosting will make your baked goods irresistible!

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups unsalted butter room temperature
5 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Food coloring optional

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Instructions

In a stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, or a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, cream the butter on medium-high speed for about 6 minutes.
With the mixer set to low speed, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until fully combined.
Add the vanilla and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk, mixing on low speed until moistened.
Add an additional tablespoon of cream or milk if a softer consistency is desired.
Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, about 5 more minutes.
If using, add food coloring, either coloring the entire batch or dividing it into smaller bowls for multiple colors. Start with 1-3 drops, adding more if needed.
Spread or pipe the frosting onto cooled sugar cookies.

Notes

Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
For best results, sift the confectioners’ sugar to avoid clumps in the frosting.
Adjust the milk or cream based on desired frosting thickness.