Go Back
+ servings
chocolate sugar cookies decorated with bright frosting
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Decorate your sugar cookies with buttercream for the perfect easy decorated cookie.
Prep Time30 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories: 76kcal
Author: Dorothy Kern
Cost: $8

Ingredients

  • 4 cups (452g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter , softened
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons milk regular, low- or non-fat, or nondairy
  • Food color and/or sprinkles if desired

Instructions

  • Beat butter until smooth in a large bowl with an electric mixer.
  • Slowly mix in powdered sugar, then vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the frosting is the consistency you desire.
  • Tint the frosting if you want it a color.
  • Frost cookies, decorating them with sprinkles. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Notes

  • If using salted butter, omit added salt.
  • You can make your frosting ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • You can even freeze frosting for up to 3 months in an airtight container.Allow chilled frosting to come to room temperature on the counter for at least 1-2 hours. You may need to add a bit more milk if the frosting is too thick after sitting.
  • For outlining cookies and filling in the center, I'll use Tip #3 or Tip #4.
  • For trees or decorative stars, I'll use Tip #30, 74, 3B, or Tip 199.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 3mg | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 81IU | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.01mg