The Best Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe is smooth, sweet and easy to make. It spreads beautifully on soft sugar cookies.
This frosting dries perfectly and looks shiny. If you want bakery-style cookies at home, this recipe helps a lot.
Today, I will show you How to make The Best Sugar Cookie Frosting step by step. You will also learn the simple Ingredients for The Best Sugar Cookie Frosting.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tested many frosting recipes before finding this one. Some were too runny. Others were too thick. This one is perfect.
It spreads easily. It also keeps its shape. I use it for birthday cookies and holiday cookies. My family loves the soft bite and sweet flavor. It makes simple cookies look beautiful.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: The Best Sugar Cookie Frosting
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Piping bag (optional)
- Small bowls for coloring
Ingredients You Need for The Best Sugar Cookie Frosting
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
1. Cream the Butter
Place softened butter in a large bowl. Beat it for two minutes until light and creamy. This step makes the frosting smooth and fluffy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar
Add powdered sugar slowly to the butter. Mix on low speed first. Then increase speed and mix until smooth. Scrape the bowl sides often.
3. Pour Milk and Vanilla
Add milk, vanilla extract and salt. Beat again until creamy. The frosting will start looking smooth and shiny at this stage.
4. Add Corn Syrup
Pour in the light corn syrup. Mix well for one minute. This ingredient gives shine and helps the frosting set nicely.
5. Adjust the Texture
If frosting is too thick, add one teaspoon milk. If too thin, add more powdered sugar. Mix until you get smooth spreading consistency.
6. Add Food Coloring
Divide frosting into small bowls if using colors. Add a few drops of food coloring. Mix gently until the color is even and bright.
7. Frost the Cookies
Spread frosting on cooled sugar cookies using a spatula. You can also use a piping bag for neat designs and decorations.
8. Let It Set
Allow cookies to rest at room temperature for one hour. The frosting will form a soft crust on top while staying creamy inside.
Recipe Tips
- Always use softened butter, not melted butter.
- Sift powdered sugar for extra smooth frosting.
- Use gel food coloring for brighter colors.
- Do not frost warm cookies.
- Add almond extract for different flavor.
- Use piping tips for professional designs.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This The Best Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe works perfectly on classic sugar cookies. You can decorate Christmas cookies, birthday cookies or heart cookies for Valentine’s Day.
It also tastes good on cupcakes and brownies. Add colorful sprinkles on top before it sets. Kids love helping with decorating. It makes baking time fun and special.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Vanilla sugar cookies
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Cupcakes
- Brownies
- Milk or hot chocolate
These pair nicely with sweet frosted treats.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover frosting in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before using again, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Beat it again for one minute before spreading. If needed, add a small amount of milk to soften it.
Do not freeze decorated cookies with heavy layers. Light frosting freezes better.
The Best Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring optional
Instructions
Cream the Butter
- Place softened butter in a large bowl. Beat it for two minutes until light and creamy. This step makes the frosting smooth and fluffy.
Add Powdered Sugar
- Add powdered sugar slowly to the butter. Mix on low speed first. Then increase speed and mix until smooth. Scrape the bowl sides often.
Pour Milk and Vanilla
- Add milk, vanilla extract and salt. Beat again until creamy. The frosting will start looking smooth and shiny at this stage.
Add Corn Syrup
- Pour in the light corn syrup. Mix well for one minute. This ingredient gives shine and helps the frosting set nicely.
Adjust the Texture
- If frosting is too thick, add one teaspoon milk. If too thin, add more powdered sugar. Mix until you get smooth spreading consistency.
Add Food Coloring
- Divide frosting into small bowls if using colors. Add a few drops of food coloring. Mix gently until the color is even and bright.
Frost the Cookies
- Spread frosting on cooled sugar cookies using a spatula. You can also use a piping bag for neat designs and decorations.
Let It Set
- Allow cookies to rest at room temperature for one hour. The frosting will form a soft crust on top while staying creamy inside.
Notes
- Always use softened butter, not melted butter.
- Sift powdered sugar for extra smooth frosting.
- Use gel food coloring for brighter colors.
- Do not frost warm cookies.
- Add almond extract for different flavor.
- Use piping tips for professional designs.
FAQs about The Best Sugar Cookie Frosting
1. Does this frosting harden completely?
This frosting forms a soft crust on top. It does not become rock hard like royal icing. It stays slightly soft inside, which makes cookies taste better.
2. Can I make this frosting without corn syrup?
Yes, you can skip corn syrup. The frosting will still taste good. However, it may not look as shiny and may not set as smoothly.
3. How do I make the frosting thicker for piping?
Add more powdered sugar slowly. Mix well after each addition. Thick frosting works best for detailed piping designs and borders.
4. Can I use this frosting on cakes?
Yes, you can use it on simple cakes. It works best on cookies and cupcakes. For large cakes, you may need to double the recipe.
5. Why is my frosting too runny?
You may have added too much milk. Add more powdered sugar slowly. Mix until the frosting becomes thick and spreadable again.
Conclusion
The Best Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe is simple and reliable. It spreads easily and tastes delicious.
Now you know How to make The Best Sugar Cookie Frosting step by step. The Ingredients for The Best Sugar Cookie Frosting are basic and affordable.
This frosting makes cookies look beautiful and professional. Try it once and you will use it every time. Happy baking!
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
