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Creamy Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Soften butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until it becomes smooth and soft but not melted or warm.
  2. Add cream cheese: Beat in the softened cream cheese until fully combined with the butter, ensuring a creamy base for your frosting.
  3. Add extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract to infuse the frosting with a rich, aromatic flavor.
  4. 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.
  5. Add color (optional): If using gel food coloring, mix in a small amount until the frosting reaches your preferred hue without thinning the texture.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/creamy-sugar-cookie-frosting-recipe/