Name: Sugar Cookie Frosting
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter; 4 cups powdered sugar; 3-4 Tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 3/4 teaspoon almond extract; food coloring (, optional)

This sugar cookie frosting is flavored with vanilla and a hint of almond for the best mouthwatering frosting to decorate sugar cookies. Easy to make in only 5 minutes!

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I love decorating my soft sugar cookie recipe with this homemade sugar cookie frosting! It’s simple to make using common ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and almond extract. It also holds well so it doesn’t smudge when packaging.

My easy sugar cookie icing recipe or royal icing are great for decorating but this frosting for sugar cookies is so soft and fluffy with an amazing flavor. My cream cheese frosting is also yummy, but not great for packaging the cookies.

Customize the color for Christmas sugar cookies, spread it on Valentine’s Day cookies or use it for piping!

Ingredients Notes

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

Salted butter: I always use salted butter. If using unsalted butter just add a pinch of salt.
Powdered sugar: Also called confectioners sugar, this sugar is sweet and due to the added cornstarch it helps thicken the frosting.
Milk: Milk ensures that the frosting reaches desired consistency. Heavy cream could be used instead.
Vanilla extract: Adds the best vanilla flavor. Use clear vanilla extract if you would like a pure white frosting.
Almond extract: The sweet almond flavor adds a lovely taste to the frosting, but you can use more vanilla extract or another extract such as mint extract or lemon extract instead.

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the softened butter for 1 minute until light and fluffy.

Showing how to make sugar cookie frosting.

Add 2 cups powdered sugar with vanilla and almond extracts, combine then add the remaining powdered sugar, food coloring, and 3 Tablespoons milk. Adjust frosting consistency as needed.

Pipe or spread on sugar cookies and decorate with sprinkles as desired.

Tips and Variations

Frosting consistency: If you are using the frosting for piping, use 3 Tablespoons of milk for a thicker texture. If you are spreading the frosting add an extra Tablespoon.
Stackable: If you need a crusting buttercream frosting, you can substitute 1/2 of the butter with vegetable shortening.
Gel food coloring: I prefer to use gel food coloring as it does not affect the texture of the sugar cookie frosting. Start with a small amount and add more until desired color is achieved.
Smooth and creamy frosting: To ensure your frosting is silky smooth, properly soften butter to room temperature. If it’s too hard, there will be clumps and if it’s too soft the frosting will be runny.
Store: Store frosting at room temperature in an airtight container for up two days. Even though it contains milk, there is enough sugar to stabilize it. For longer storage, store in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer up to 3 months.

We love making this sugar cookie frosting recipe year-round and change the color to match the holiday whether it’s Valentine’s Day or Christmas!

More frosting recipes to try include raspberry buttercream frosting and sour cream frosting.

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