Sugar Cookie Frosting

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Silky smooth, perfectly sweet, and ready to spread with ease, this Sugar Cookie Frosting is everything your holiday cookie dreams are made of. Whether you’re prepping for Christmas cookie swaps, birthday treats, or just craving a soft sugar cookie topped with creamy goodness, this frosting delivers in both flavor and texture.

Unlike royal icing, which dries hard, this frosting stays soft and luscious—ideal for stacking or biting right into. The best part? It whips up in under 10 minutes with pantry staples, making it the ultimate quick and delicious topping for any batch of homemade sugar cookies.

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Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Frosting

• Creamy and soft: Spreads like a dream and stays smooth.
• Quick to make: Ready in minutes with simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Easily add colors or flavors for festive flair.
• Kid-friendly: Perfect for baking projects with little hands.
• No hard crust: Unlike royal icing, this won’t turn rock solid.

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Can I Use This Sugar Cookie Frosting for Piping?

Yes! While it’s softer than buttercream made for cake decorating, it holds its shape beautifully for basic piping on cookies. Use a piping bag with a round or star tip for clean outlines, swirls, or zig-zags. Just remember to refrigerate cookies if you’re making them ahead—the frosting stays soft at room temperature.

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Ingredients for the Sugar Cookie Frosting

This frosting comes together with a handful of ingredients you likely already have. Each one plays a key role in creating that dreamy, spreadable consistency and sweet vanilla flavor.

• Unsalted butter: Gives the frosting a rich, creamy base. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps create a smooth, fluffy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and classic flavor.
• Heavy cream or milk: Loosens the frosting to the right consistency.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Food coloring (optional): Perfect for festive or themed cookies.

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How To Make the Sugar Cookie Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy and light in color—about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix on low at first to prevent sugar clouds, then increase speed. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Cream

Stir in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat until fully combined. Add more cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Add Color (Optional)

If using food coloring, divide the frosting into bowls and stir in a few drops of gel or liquid color. Mix well until evenly tinted.

Step 5: Frost Your Cookies

Spread onto cooled sugar cookies using an offset spatula or butter knife. You can also pipe the frosting using a piping bag and tip.

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How to Store and Serve This Frosting

This Sugar Cookie Frosting recipe makes enough to frost 24-30 standard cookies. Once frosted, the cookies stay soft and fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

If you make the frosting ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and stir before using. For longer storage, freeze it in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and beat again until smooth.

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What to Serve With Sugar Cookie Frosting?

Sugar Cookies

Naturally, these pair best with classic sugar cookies. Try them with our Whipped Shortbread Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Chocolate Cookies

Balance the sweetness with a rich, chocolate base. The vanilla frosting adds a creamy contrast.

Cookie Sandwiches

Spread between two cookies to make quick sandwich-style desserts.

Cupcake Topping

Pipe it on mini vanilla or chocolate cupcakes for an easy twist.

Brownie Bites

Top each square with a dollop of frosting and sprinkles.

Homemade Pop-Tarts

Use this frosting as a glaze for baked, homemade pastry treats.

Dip for Pretzels

Serve it as a dip for pretzel sticks or graham crackers at parties.

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Want More Frosting and Cookie Ideas?

If you loved this creamy Sugar Cookie Frosting, you’ll love exploring these irresistible bakes:

• Magic Lemon Cobbler with zesty-sweet surprise layers.
• Banana Bread Cookies for a soft cookie twist on a breakfast favorite.
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite.
• Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake for a dramatic, decadent dessert.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you tint it with festive colors? Use it on cupcakes or cookies? I’d love to hear how you’re putting this creamy frosting to delicious use.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and sweet treats on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your new go-to favorites!

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