This is a 5/5 for sugar cookies specifically. I've made this more times than I can count, and my kids ask for it by name. I wouldn't recommend it for frosting a cake — it's really built and tuned for piping onto cookies and setting up firm — but for that job, it's exactly what you want.
Original Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 tbsp cold unsalted butter, chopped into about 8 pieces
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Gel food coloring, as desired
Directions
- In a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, whip the cold butter on medium-high speed for about 4 minutes until really creamy.
- While mixing on low speed, gradually add in the powdered sugar, occasionally scraping the bowl. Mix for about 2-3 minutes. The frosting will be quite clumpy at this stage.
- While continuing to mix on low speed, add the heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time. You should only need about 5 tablespoons total. The frosting will become creamy as you continue mixing. Add the vanilla extract and salt, then beat for a few more seconds to make sure they're fully incorporated.
- Add gel food coloring as desired to achieve your preferred colors.
- Spread or pipe onto sugar cookies soon after making it, as it will start to harden after an hour or two.
My Modifications
If you only have salted butter on hand, just omit the added salt — the recipe still turns out great. Otherwise I make this exactly as written every time.
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