Best Buttercream Frosting for Cookie Decorating
This easy and fluffy buttercream frosting is perfect for decorating cookies. With just a few simple ingredients, you can achieve a smooth and creamy texture that holds up beautifully for piping and spreading on cookies.
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Equipment
- Stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or electric mixer)
- Large bowl
- Piping bags or icing bags
- Piping tips (optional)
- Offset spatula or butter knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted for best results
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or almond extract for a different flavor
- Gel food coloring optional
Instructions:
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment beat the butter on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, until light and creamy.
- Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Add 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed to incorporate the liquids then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of cream.
- For colored frosting add a few drops of gel food coloring and beat until the color is evenly mixed.
- Use the frosting immediately for
- piping or spreading on cooled cookies.
Instructions
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, until light and creamy.
- Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Add 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed to incorporate the liquids, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of cream.
- For colored frosting, add a few drops of gel food coloring and beat until the color is evenly mixed.
- Use the frosting immediately for
- piping or spreading on cooled cookies.
Notes
Recipe Notes:
Storage: Leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Consistency: If the frosting is too soft, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it's too stiff, add a little more cream, 1 teaspoon at a time.
Shelf Life: Frosted cookies can be stored at room temperature in a single layer for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Storage: Leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Consistency: If the frosting is too soft, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it's too stiff, add a little more cream, 1 teaspoon at a time.
Shelf Life: Frosted cookies can be stored at room temperature in a single layer for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
