If there’s one thing that can make or break a sugar cookie, it’s the frosting.

You can have the most buttery, perfectly baked cookie in the world but if the frosting is too sweet, too stiff, or dries out weirdly, it just doesn’t hit the same. And if you’ve ever struggled with frosting that won’t pipe, won’t spread smoothly, or crusts before you’re done decorating… I’ve been there too.

This sugar cookie frosting is the one I always come back to. It’s soft, creamy, easy to work with, and holds its shape without feeling heavy. You can spread it, swirl it, or pipe pretty rosettes and it stays smooth and luscious the whole time you’re working.

It’s simple, made completely from scratch, and it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for every holiday, birthday, or “just because” baking day.

Why This Frosting Works Every Single Time

This frosting is a sweet spot between:

Too stiff buttercream
Too thin glaze
Too-sweet icing

It’s:

Creamy but not greasy
Sweet but balanced
Easy to color
Perfect for piping or spreading

It sets just enough to hold its shape, but it doesn’t dry out into that hard, crunchy layer that makes sugar cookies less enjoyable to eat.

Basically - it tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sugar Cookie Frosting Ingredients

Optional

How to Make Sugar Cookie Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Butter

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy - about 1–2 minutes.

This step matters. Well-creamed butter gives you a smoother frosting from the start.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar Gradually

Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Start with 3½ cups and add more only if needed. You want the frosting thick but still workable.

Step 3: Add Vanilla, Milk & Salt

Mix in:

Vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
2 tablespoons of milk

Beat until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting feels too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk a little at a time.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

For spreading:
Slightly softer, smooth, and creamy.

For piping:
Thicker, holds peaks, but still squeezes easily from a piping bag.

This frosting is very forgiving - small adjustments go a long way.

What Makes Sugar Cookie Frosting Different?

Sugar cookie frosting should be:

Soft enough to bite into
Smooth enough to decorate with
Stable enough to hold detail

This recipe uses a butter + powdered sugar base with just enough milk and vanilla to keep things silky. No shortening, no boxed mixes, no strange aftertaste.

It’s the kind of frosting you actually want a little extra of on each cookie.

A Few Tips Before You Start

These small details make a big difference:

Use softened butter, not melted
Sift your powdered sugar if it’s clumpy
Add milk slowly - a little goes a long way
If piping, keep the frosting slightly thicker
If spreading, thin it just a touch

And always taste as you go. Frosting should make you smile.

Coloring the Frosting

This frosting takes color beautifully.

Use gel food coloring for bold colors
Add a tiny amount at a time
Mix well before adding more

You can also divide the frosting into bowls to create multiple colors for decorating.

How to Use This Frosting

This frosting is perfect for:

Classic sugar cookies
Cut-out cookies
Holiday cookies
Valentine’s Day hearts
Birthday cookies

You can:

Spread it with an offset spatula
Pipe swirls and rosettes
Add sprinkles immediately after frosting

If adding decorations, do it while the frosting is still soft so everything sticks nicely.

Does This Frosting Set?

Yes but gently.

It will:

Set enough to hold its shape
Stay soft when you bite into it
Not crack or dry out

If you need fully stackable cookies, let them sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours before stacking with parchment between layers.

Storage Tips

Frosting:
Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.

Frosted cookies:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.

Why This Is My Go-To Recipe

This frosting is:

Made from scratch
Simple and reliable
Perfect for everyday baking
Flexible for decorating
A true staple recipe

It’s not flashy - it’s dependable. And those are the recipes people come back to again and again.

Looking for more dessert recipes? Try my popular recipes below:

The Best Sugar Cookie Frosting