Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe (2024)

A Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe that hardens forming a perfect sweet crust for your cookie. This is one of the best sugar cookie icings I’ve ever tasted. Use it on Cut Out Sugar Cookiesor any of your favorite roll out cookie recipes!

Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe (1)

Sugar Cookie Frosting

When the holiday season arrives, I go a little nuts with the cookie baking. To be fair, I go a little nuts with the cookie baking all year long anyway, but Christmas time gives me the perfect excuse.

With all the holiday parties, cookie exchanges and family visits, having fresh homemade cookies around is a necessity.

If I have to pick a cookie recipe to bake and share, I’ll often go with sugar cookies for one reason–frosting.

What’s a Christmas sugar cookie without a thick layer of rich creamy frosting on top? This sugar cookie buttercream frosting pairs perfectly with Cut Out Sugar Cookies, a delicious recipe from my friend In Katrina’s Kitchen,as well as my Easy Soft Sugar Cookies.

Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe (2)

Best Tasting Sugar Cookie Icing

This frosting recipe hardens slightly as it sets on the cookies. Not only do I love the texture of biting into a big soft sugar cookie with a sugary frosting crust, the hardened icing also stays in place better than other kinds.

That means, you can stack and transport your frosted sugar cookies without worrying about the icing smearing. Not as hard as royal icing, this easy sugar cookie frosting stays in place while keeping the cookie soft and chewy.

Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe (3)

Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting

It’s undeniable that using butter gives frosting recipes a great flavor. I often use real butter, or a combination of butter and shortening in myButtercream Frosting for cakes and cupcakes.

For this icing recipe I use all shortening instead, for a couple of reasons.

  1. Shortening stays stable at higher temperatures than butter so there’s less risk of your frosting getting melty.
  2. Shortening hardens at room temperature giving the cookies the “crust” I want.

The result will be similar to the frosted sugar cookies you get in the bakery section of the grocery store but with a richer, creamier taste. It’s impossible not to smile when you bite into a cooke decorated with this perfect buttercream frosting!

Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe (4)

How to make frosting for sugar cookies

Making a great tasting sugar cookie frosting that hardens is super simple. I’ve made this recipe both with and without food coloring added and it looks and tastes great both ways.

Sugar Cookie Frosting Ingredients

Ingredients at a glance, complete printable recipe below.

  • Crisco* or other shortening (there’s a reason for Crisco!)
  • vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar
  • salt
  • milk
  • Food coloring, if desired

Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe (5)

To make the frosting:

1. With an electric mixer, beat shortening until light and fluffy, approximately 1-2 minutes.

2. Add two cups of powdered sugar to the shortening and mix until well combined. Add vanilla and salt and mix until combined.

3.Add additional powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until well combined. When mixture starts to get too thick, start adding milk, a little at a time.

4. Continue to add powdered sugar and milk until completely combined. If you would like your frosting to be thicker, add additional powdered sugar, 1⁄4 cup at a time. If you would like your frosting to be thinner, add additional milk, 1 tbsp at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

5. If desired, add food coloring.

6. Pipe or spread onto cookies

Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe (6)

Decorating Cookies

If you’d like to make your frosting different colors, simply divide the icing into separate bowls before adding your desired food coloring. A few drops of red food coloring with green sprinkles and your sugar cookies are ready for Christmas. Try white frosting with pink and red sprinkles for a fun Valentine’s Day sugar cookie.

Frosted Sugar Cookies make any occasion better!

Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe (7)

For more great sugar cookie baking and decorating ideas, check out my Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipeas well as myGingerbread Man Cookies. Looking for the cutest cookies in all the land? Melted Snowman Cookies are just the key. Bar cookies your thing? I’ve got you! Try my Sugar Cookie Bars. Sugar Cookie Chex Mix is a fun spin on the delicious flavors of sugar cookies. Need some decorating ideas? My Christmas Cookie Decorating Tips are perfect for you!

Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe (8)

Click and Pin Recipe To Save

Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe

Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe (9)

Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe

5 from 7 votes

Author Christi Johnstone

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

A delicious and easy to make stackable sugar cookie frosting recipe.

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 18 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Crisco or other shortening
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Food Coloring

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, but shortening with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 1-2 minutes. Add one cup of powdered sugar to the shortening and beat until well combined. Add vanilla and salt and mix until well combined.

  • Add in another cup of powdered sugar, and beat until well combined. Add in a small amount of the milk, and mix until combined. Repeat this process with powdered sugar and milk. If a thicker frosting is desired add additional powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after adding additional powdered sugar. If a thinner frosting is desired, add additional milk, 1-2 teaspoons at a time.

  • If desired, add food coloring and mix well.

  • Immediately pipe or spread onto cookies.

Video

Notes

Recipe easily can be doubled or even tripled.

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 35mg | Potassium: 4mg | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Tried this Recipe? Pin it!Mention @LoveFromTheOven or tag #LFTORecipes!

Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the frosting on sugar cookies made of? ›

For the icing, you need confectioners' sugar, water, vanilla extract (replace with water to keep the icing stark white, or use clear vanilla extract), a touch of corn syrup, and a little salt. The icing dries firm with a very slight crisp, so you can easily stack your decorated sugar cookies and travel with them.

What's the difference between frosting and icing on cookies? ›

Frosting is the thickest of these confections and is ideal for spreading or piping on cakes, cupcakes and cookies. Icing is a little thinner than frosting and is often poured or piped over coffee cakes, pound cakes, doughnuts and cookies—and it usually hardens when it dries.

Will icing sugar and water set hard? ›

Yes, once this cookie icing is piped on or used to decorate cookies, it will set hard. Leave to sit out at room temperature to allow the cookies to dry. Once they are hard, store at room temperature in an airtight container.

What's the difference between icing sugar and frosting? ›

You'll be glad to know there is a distinction between the two. In broad terms, frosting is thick and fluffy, and is used to coat the outside (and often the inner layers) of a cake. Icing is thinner and glossier than frosting, and can be used as a glaze or for detailed decorating.

What is bakery frosting made of? ›

heat, cook flour, sugar, and milk until thickened. Let cool. Add powdered sugar, shortning, salt and vanilla. Beat until creamy and smooth.

Should I use buttercream or royal icing for sugar cookies? ›

If you want a neat and clean, beautiful/cute design on your cookies, go with royal icing. Most people who are decorating cookies in the first place are going for the eye appeal, so it's a popular choice. But if you value taste over looks, go with messy, delicious buttercream frosting.

Is buttercream better than frosting? ›

Buttercream tends to be more stable, taste better and produce a smooth finish if mixed well. Shortening-based frosting, while the best at providing true to colour options, can be a bit greasy, prone to producing lumps and have an odd texture.

How to make store bought frosting better for sugar cookies? ›

How to Upgrade Store-Bought Frosting
  1. Cream cheese. Beat in 8 ounces of room temperature plain or flavored cream cheese. ...
  2. Whipped cream. Mix equal parts freshly whipped cream and frosting. ...
  3. Butter. ...
  4. Peanut butter or other nut butter. ...
  5. Nutella. ...
  6. Cookie butter. ...
  7. Jam, preserves, or marmalade. ...
  8. Lemon curd.
Feb 14, 2024

Is powdered sugar the same as icing sugar? ›

Yes! Powdered sugar, confectioners' sugar (including confectioners sugar and confectioner's sugar too), icing sugar, and 10X (a reference to the size of the particles) are all the same.

Is milk or water better for icing sugar? ›

Powdered sugar – Also known as confectioner's sugar, it dissolves easily making a smooth icing. Liquid – You can use water or milk. For decorating cookies, I use water. For drizzling cakes and pastries, I like to use milk for a nice and creamy glaze.

What is icing sugar and water called? ›

A basic icing is called a glacé, containing powdered sugar (also known as icing sugar or confectioners' sugar) and water. This can be flavored and colored as desired, for example, by using lemon juice in place of the water.

What is the closest thing to icing sugar? ›

It is possible to simply use granulated sugar in a slightly smaller amount, though you'll have to accept that the texture may not be ideal, especially for icing or other recipes that are supposed to be super smooth. Just substitute 1 cup of granulated sugar for every 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar and proceed as directed.

Which icing sugar is best for icing? ›

However, a common brand that is widely used by bakers and is known for its good quality is C&H powdered sugar. This brand is made from pure cane sugar and is finely ground, which makes it ideal for creating smooth and consistent icing.

What do they call frosting in England? ›

Linguist Charles Boberg writes, however, that Canadian English is more in line with British English on this choice of terms, favouring "'icing' rather than 'frosting' for the top layer of a cake” (“Canadian English,” The Canadian Encyclopedia).

What is sugar frosting made of? ›

Directions. In a small bowl combine powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Stir in additional milk or juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches drizzling consistency.

What is cookie glaze made of? ›

Icing and glaze can be made from the same simple ingredients: sugar and a liquid (water, milk, cream, juice, etc.). In the spectrum of frosting, icing and glaze, frosting is the thickest of the three. Icing and glaze are the thinner dessert toppings.

What is the icing on dog cookies made of? ›

Place cooked tapioca (or potato) starch and yogurt in a small bowl and combine thoroughly. Mix in water, a tablespoon at a time, until you get the consistency of frosting. Get creative with your icing: Make a holiday decoration, write your dog's name, or just dip BLUE Santa Snacks or BLUE Health Bars into the frosting.

Can you buy sugar cookie frosting? ›

What kind of icing goes on sugar cookies? For more advanced techniques, you can use store-bought white or colored frosting made specifically for decorating sugar cookies (like Wilton's). You can also use canned frosting from the grocery store, as long as it is made specifically for decorating sugar cookies.

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