homemade sugar cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Ready in just 5 minutes, making it a convenient choice for any baking session.
• Versatile: Ideal for spreading or piping, allowing for creative cookie designs.
• Customizable: Easily tinted with gel food coloring to match any theme or holiday.
• Stable: Sets well, ensuring your decorated cookies can be stacked without smudging.

Ingredients

• ½ cup salted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ teaspoon almond extract
• Gel food coloring (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Whip the Butter: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
2. Add Sugar and Flavorings: Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar along with the vanilla and almond extracts until well combined.
3. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and gel food coloring if desired. Mix until smooth. For a thinner consistency suitable for spreading, add an additional tablespoon of milk.
4. Decorate: Pipe or spread the frosting onto cooled sugar cookies. Decorate with sprinkles as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Approximately 4 cups of frosting, sufficient for about 48 cookies, depending on size and thickness of application.
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Adjustments: Substitute almond extract with additional vanilla extract or other flavors like lemon or mint to suit your preference.
• Color Customization: Use gel food coloring to achieve vibrant hues without altering the frosting’s consistency.
• Consistency Modification: For a crusting buttercream suitable for stacking, replace half of the butter with vegetable shortening.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Before use, bring to room temperature and stir until smooth.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature and mix well before using.

FAQs

How can I achieve a pure white frosting?

Use clear vanilla extract instead of regular vanilla extract to maintain a pure white color.

Can I make this frosting dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk alternative.

Is it possible to make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely, prepare the frosting in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

How do I adjust the frosting’s consistency for piping?

For a thicker consistency suitable for piping, use 3 tablespoons of milk. For spreading, add an extra tablespoon to thin it out slightly.

What type of food coloring is best to use?

Gel food coloring is recommended as it provides vibrant colors without altering the frosting’s consistency.

Can I omit the almond extract?

Yes, you can replace the almond extract with additional vanilla extract or another flavoring of your choice.

How long does the frosting take to set?

The frosting typically sets within a few hours, making the cookies suitable for stacking and packaging.

Can I use this frosting on other baked goods?

Certainly, this versatile frosting works well on cakes, cupcakes, and other cookies.

How should I store decorated cookies?

Once the frosting has set, store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Is this frosting suitable for intricate designs?

Yes, the frosting holds its shape well, making it ideal for detailed piping and decorative work.

Conclusion

This sugar cookie frosting is a delightful addition to your baking repertoire, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Its quick preparation and versatile nature make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re decorating for a festive occasion or simply enjoying a baking day at home, this frosting will elevate your sugar cookies to a new level of deliciousness.

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