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Perfect No-Fail Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe

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A reliable and easy sugar cookie frosting recipe that hardens flawlessly with a smooth, crisp finish, perfect for decorating cookies for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 34 tablespoons (4560 ml) milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) light corn syrup
  • Food coloring (optional, gel colors recommended)

Instructions

  1. Soften the unsalted butter by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes until soft but not melted.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of light corn syrup until creamy and light, about 2 minutes on medium speed.
  3. Gradually add 4 cups (480g) of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed and scraping down the sides after each addition.
  4. Add 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high for about 3 minutes until fluffy and smooth. Adjust consistency by adding the extra tablespoon (15 ml) of milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
  5. Add gel food coloring a drop at a time until desired shade is reached (optional). Avoid liquid food coloring.
  6. Spread or pipe frosting onto sugar cookies. Let rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours or overnight to harden. Avoid refrigerating.

Notes

Use light corn syrup to help the frosting harden with a glossy finish without cracking. Avoid applying frosting too thickly to prevent cracking. Let frosting set at room temperature for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. Gel food coloring is preferred to avoid thinning the frosting. For vegan version, use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and substitute corn syrup with maple syrup (frosting may be softer).

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookie frosting, no-fail frosting, cookie decorating, easy frosting recipe, hardening frosting, holiday cookies