Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Introduction
This Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting is a delightfully creamy and flavorful topping perfect for your favorite sugar cookies. With a hint of almond and vanilla, it adds a subtle, sweet richness that’s sure to impress. Easy to whip up, it’s ideal for spreading or piping onto cookies for a beautiful finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ – 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whip the softened unsalted butter on high speed for 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Add the vanilla extract, almond extract (start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste), and salt to the butter, then whip to combine thoroughly.
- Step 3: On medium to low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Increase the mixer speed to high and whip the frosting for 2-3 minutes until it is creamy and smooth.
- Step 5: Spread the frosting onto cooled cookies or transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip for decorative swirls. To pipe, start at the center of the cookie and swirl outward.
- Step 6: This recipe yields about 2 cups of frosting, enough to generously frost approximately 24 cookies that are 2.5 inches in diameter.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the almond extract amount to control the flavor intensity; start with less and add more to taste.
- Use gel food coloring to tint the frosting without changing its consistency.
- For a lighter texture, you can substitute part of the butter with shortening.
Storage
Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using again, let it come to room temperature and re-whip to restore its creamy texture. For longer storage, this frosting freezes well for up to three months.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the frosting. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty frosting.
How do I make the frosting stiffer for piping detailed designs?
To make the frosting firmer, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Chilling it briefly in the refrigerator can also help it hold shape better while piping.
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Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups of frosting (enough to frost about 24 cookies) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting is a creamy, sweet, and fluffy topping perfect for enhancing your sugar cookies. Combining softened unsalted butter with vanilla and almond extracts, along with powdered sugar, this buttercream is versatile and easy to customize with food coloring for a festive touch. It whips up quickly and spreads or pipes beautifully, making it ideal for cookie decorating.
Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ to 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Whip the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter on high speed for 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the frosting.
- Add Flavorings and Salt: Beat in vanilla extract, almond extract (start with ½ teaspoon and add up to 1 ½ teaspoons according to taste), and salt until fully combined.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: On medium to low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar half a cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until all 3 cups are incorporated.
- Beat to Creamy Consistency: Increase speed to high and whip the frosting for an additional 2-3 minutes until it is creamy, smooth, and spreadable.
- Decorate Cookies: Spread the frosting on cooled sugar cookies or transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. To pipe swirls, start from the inside of the cookie and swirl outward for a decorative finish.
- Yield and Serving: This recipe makes about 2 cups of frosting, sufficient to generously frost approximately 24 sugar cookies, each about 2.5 inches in diameter.
Notes
- You can adjust the almond extract amount depending on your preferred flavor intensity.
- Food coloring can be added to customize the frosting for holidays or themes.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- For a lighter frosting, you may sift the powdered sugar before adding to prevent lumps.
- Use fresh ingredients and mix well for optimal consistency and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Frosting
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buttercream frosting, sugar cookie frosting, vanilla frosting, almond extract frosting, cookie decorating, easy frosting
