Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Introduction
Sweet and creamy, Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting is the perfect finishing touch for your favorite cookies and cakes. With a delicate blend of vanilla and almond flavors, this frosting is both simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients
- 2 cups butter, softened (no substitutions)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 6 cups powdered sugar (approximately)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Beat together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Gradually add the powdered sugar a little at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture reaches a spreadable texture.
- Step 3: If the frosting becomes too thick, add a small amount of milk to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Step 4: If using, add food coloring and blend well. You can divide the frosting into separate bowls to create multiple colors or keep it all white.
- Step 5: Apply the frosting with a spatula or pipe it using a piping bag. If you don’t have a piping bag, use a Ziploc bag by clipping a small corner as a makeshift piping tool; avoid generic bags that might burst.
Tips & Variations
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.
- For variety, add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the frosting to change up the flavor.
- Use gel food coloring to avoid altering the frosting’s consistency when coloring.
Storage
Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, bring it to room temperature and rewhip briefly to restore smoothness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use margarine or shortening instead of butter?
This recipe specifically calls for butter to achieve the right flavor and texture. Using margarine or shortening can change the taste and consistency and is not recommended.
How do I fix frosting that’s too thick or too runny?
If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time and beat until it loosens. If it’s too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until it firms up.
Print
Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups of frosting, enough to frost 24 standard sugar cookies or a 2-layer 8-inch cake 1x
Description
This Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting is a smooth, creamy, and versatile frosting perfect for decorating sugar cookies, cupcakes, or cakes. Made with real butter, vanilla, and almond extracts, it delivers a rich, sweet flavor that complements a variety of baked goods. You can customize the frosting with food coloring for a vibrant, festive look or keep it classic white. Ideal for spreading or piping, this frosting is easy to make and perfect for all your decorative needs.
Ingredients
Buttercream Frosting
- 2 cup(s) butter, softened (no substitutions)
- 1 tablespoon(s) vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoon(s) almond extract
- 6 cup(s) powdered sugar (approximately)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Butter and Extracts: Beat together the softened butter with the vanilla and almond extracts until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the extracts are well incorporated for a flavorful base.
- Add Powdered Sugar Gradually: Begin adding the powdered sugar a little at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to prevent lumps and to achieve a smooth texture.
- Adjust Consistency: Continue beating until you reach the desired texture; if the frosting becomes too thick from too much powdered sugar, add a small amount of milk to loosen it gently.
- Incorporate Food Coloring: If using, add food coloring now and blend well to evenly distribute the color. Divide the frosting into separate bowls if you want multiple colors.
- Apply Frosting: Use a spatula or a piping bag to apply the frosting on your baked goods. For an easy piping alternative, clip a small corner off a Ziploc bag, avoiding generic bags to prevent bursting.
Notes
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easy blending.
- Gradually add powdered sugar to control sweetness and texture.
- Use milk sparingly to adjust consistency without making the frosting too runny.
- If coloring, gel food coloring is preferred for vibrant colors without altering frosting consistency.
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator and rewhip before use.
- This frosting is best served at room temperature for easy spreading and piping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Frosting
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting, Buttercream Frosting, Sugar Cookie Frosting, Vanilla Almond Frosting, No-Cook Frosting, Easy Buttercream

