Butter Icing for Cookies
Elevate your homemade cookies with this luscious butter icing—a rich, creamy topping that's perfect for spreading or piping onto your favorite treats. Made with just a handful of pantry staples like unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla, this versatile butter icing recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and offers endless customization options. Achieve your desired consistency with a splash of milk or heavy cream, and add a pop of color with food dye for a whimsical touch. Whether you're decorating sugar cookies for a special occasion or looking for the perfect finishing touch to sweeten your baked creations, this easy butter icing guarantees smooth texture, vibrant flavors, and picture-perfect results every time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 115 grams unsalted butter
- 250 grams powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream)
- as needed food coloring (optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, or until it is smooth and creamy.
Sift the powdered sugar into the bowl with the butter, a little at a time, to avoid clumps and mess. Mix on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated.
Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk (or heavy cream) to the bowl. Beat on medium speed until the icing is smooth. If the icing is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
If using food coloring, divide the icing into separate bowls and stir in a few drops of your chosen colors until evenly distributed.
Spread or pipe the butter icing onto cooled cookies using a palette knife or piping bag. Let the icing set for about 30 minutes to firm up before serving or storing.
Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before reusing, bring it to room temperature and re-whip if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
77 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.9 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 11 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.5 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.5 g | ||
| Protein | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 3 mg | 0% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
