Creamy Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe

Introduction

This creamy, fluffy sugar cookie frosting is perfect for adding a thick, luscious layer to your cookies. Ideal for cut-out sugar cookies, gingerbread, or Lofthouse-style treats, it’s easy to make and delicious enough to enjoy by the spoonful.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3 1/2 – 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• Optional: food coloring for dyeing

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until soft and creamy.
2. Step 2: Add the cream cheese and beat until fully combined and smooth.
3. Step 3: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) until incorporated.
4. Step 4: With your mixer on low speed, gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, then continue adding about 1/2 cup at a time until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
5. Step 5: Add food coloring if desired and mix gently until the color is evenly blended.
6. Step 6: Spread the frosting thickly over cooled sugar cookies or use a piping bag for simple decoration. Note that this frosting is not suited for intricate piping designs.

Tips & Variations

• Use softened but not warm butter and cream cheese to achieve the best texture and proper frosting crust.
• Sift powdered sugar before use to avoid lumps and ensure smooth frosting.
• Stop mixing as soon as powdered sugar is blended to prevent the frosting from separating.
• Gel food coloring is best for vibrant colors without adding extra liquid.
• Omit vanilla extract and substitute shortening for cream cheese to create a brighter white frosting.

Storage

Store leftover frosting covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature and stir gently before using again. It can be frozen for longer storage but may require re-whipping upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this frosting for intricate cookie designs?

This frosting is best for spreading or simple piping. It does not harden as firmly as royal icing, so it’s not ideal for detailed or intricate designs.

How can I adjust the sweetness and consistency?

Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to make the frosting sweeter and thicker. If it becomes too thick, add a small amount of milk to thin it out as needed.

Creamy Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 58 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Enough to frost 24 sugar cookies

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Description

This creamy and fluffy sugar cookie frosting is perfect for spreading in a thick layer or piping onto cookies. Its texture is ideal for cut-out sugar cookies, gingerbread, and Lofthouse-style cookies, offering a deliciously sweet but balanced flavor thanks to cream cheese which cuts the sweetness. The frosting hardens nicely to a soft crust and is easily customizable with food coloring.

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Ingredients

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Frosting Ingredients

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 oz brick-style cream cheese, softened
• 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
• Optional: gel food coloring for dyeing

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Instructions

1. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy.
2. Add cream cheese: Beat in the softened cream cheese until well combined and smooth.
3. Flavor the frosting: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract thoroughly to infuse the frosting with flavor.
4. Add powdered sugar gradually: With the mixer on low speed, add 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar. Continue to add the remaining powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time until you reach the desired sweetness and thickness.
5. Add food coloring: If using, mix in gel food coloring to achieve the desired color without thinning the frosting.
6. Decorate cookies: Spread the frosting thickly on cooled sugar cookies using a spatula or pipe it using a piping bag. Note that this frosting is not suited for intricate piping designs but works wonderfully for simple decorations or thick layering.

Notes

• The number of cookies this frosting will cover varies depending on the size of the cookies and how thickly you apply the frosting.
• Use softened but not melted butter and cream cheese to avoid a thin frosting that doesn’t crust properly.
• Only mix until the powdered sugar is combined to prevent the frosting from separating.
• Sift powdered sugar to ensure a smooth texture without lumps.
• Gel food coloring is preferred to avoid adding extra liquid which can affect consistency.
• For a bright white frosting, omit the vanilla extract and substitute cream cheese with vegetable shortening.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert Frosting
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sugar cookie frosting, cream cheese frosting, buttercream frosting, cookie decorating, cut-out sugar cookies, gingerbread frosting, Lofthouse-style cookies