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Cut-out sugar cookie with smooth butter-based sugar cookie frosting and pastel piped details

Sugar Cookie Frosting for Cut-Out Cookies with Butter

Sugar Cookie Frosting is a creamy, smooth topping for cut-out cookies with a light whipped texture and sweet vanilla flavor. This easy frosting is perfect for decorating cookies for holidays, gatherings, or everyday baking.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 pounds powdered sugar
  • Gel food coloring, as needed

Method
 

Frosting
  1. Place melted butter, warm milk, and vanilla extract in a medium mixing bowl and stir until evenly combined.
  2. Add powdered sugar gradually while mixing on low speed until the frosting forms a smooth consistency.
  3. Whip the frosting on high speed for about 1 minute until it becomes light and airy.
  4. Modify the texture by adding small amounts of warm milk if the frosting is too thick or more powdered sugar if it is too thin.
  5. Blend in gel food coloring until the desired color is reached.
  6. Apply the frosting to sugar cookies by spreading or piping, then place any remaining frosting in an airtight container.

Notes

Use warm milk instead of hot milk to help keep the butter from separating.