Creamy Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe
Introduction
This creamy, fluffy sugar cookie frosting is ideal for spreading thickly or piping onto your favorite cookies. It’s perfect for cut-out sugar cookies, gingerbread, Lofthouse-style treats, or even enjoying by the spoonful.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 oz brick-style cream cheese
- 3 1/2 – 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)
- Optional: food coloring for dyeing
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until soft and creamy.
- Step 2: Beat in the cream cheese until fully combined.
- Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing to combine.
- Step 4: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar. Continue mixing in the remaining powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
- Step 5: If using, mix in food coloring until evenly blended.
- Step 6: Spread the frosting onto cooled sugar cookies or pipe it on with a piping bag. Note that this frosting is not intended for intricate piping designs.
Tips & Variations
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened but not warm or melted to prevent a thin frosting that won’t harden properly.
- Sift powdered sugar before measuring to avoid lumps.
- Stop mixing as soon as the powdered sugar is incorporated to avoid the frosting separating.
- Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors without thinning the frosting.
- For a brighter white frosting, omit the vanilla extract and substitute cream cheese with vegetable shortening.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a small splash of milk to reach desired consistency.
Storage
Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before using, let it come to room temperature and stir or briefly re-whip to restore creaminess. Frosted cookies can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this frosting for intricate piping designs?
This frosting is creamy and thick but not ideal for detailed piping work. It works best for spreading or simple piping shapes on cookies.
What if my frosting is too thin or too thick?
If your frosting is too thin, chill it briefly to firm up or add more powdered sugar. If too thick, add a small amount of milk, a teaspoon at a time, to loosen it.
PrintCreamy Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe
This creamy, fluffy sugar cookie frosting is perfect for spreading in a thick layer or piping on sugar cookies, gingerbread, or Lofthouse-style cookies. It’s a buttery, mildly sweet frosting enhanced with cream cheese to cut the sweetness and flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. Ideal for adding a smooth, flavorful finish without the tanginess of typical cream cheese frostings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Enough frosting for 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert Frosting
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 oz brick-style cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)
- 3 1/2 – 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- Optional: gel food coloring
Instructions
- Soften butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it becomes smooth and soft but not melted or warm.
- Add cream cheese: Beat in the softened cream cheese until fully combined with the butter, ensuring a creamy base for your frosting.
- Add extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract to infuse the frosting with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: With your mixer on low speed, gradually add 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar. Then continue adding about ½ cup at a time until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
- Add color (optional): If using gel food coloring, mix in a small amount until the frosting reaches your preferred hue without thinning the texture.
- Decorate cookies: Spread or pipe the frosting onto completely cooled sugar cookies. Note that this frosting works best for simple spreading or thick piping but isn’t suited for detailed piped designs.
Notes
- The yield of frosting depends on the size of your cookies and the thickness of the layer you apply.
- Use softened but not melted butter and cream cheese to ensure the frosting thickens and crusts properly.
- Only mix the frosting until the powdered sugar is fully incorporated to prevent separation.
- Sift powdered sugar before adding to the frosting to remove lumps for a smooth texture.
- Gel food coloring is preferred to avoid adding extra liquid and thinning the frosting.
- Omitting vanilla extract and substituting vegetable shortening for cream cheese can create a brighter white frosting.
Keywords: sugar cookie frosting, cream cheese frosting, buttercream frosting, easy frosting, no bake frosting, cookie decoration, holiday frosting, Lofthouse-style frosting
