Soft Cookie Frosting Recipe
Introduction
Soft Cookie Frosting is a smooth, creamy topping that adds a delightful sweetness and texture to your favorite cookies. It’s easy to make and can be adjusted for consistency, making your baked treats even more irresistible.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (340g) confectioners’ sugar
- 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (92g) vegetable shortening
- 2 teaspoons King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract, or 1 teaspoon each vanilla and almond extracts
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup (28g to 57g) water or milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Using a hand or stand mixer, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, softened butter, and vegetable shortening just until combined.
- Step 2: With the mixer on medium speed, gradually add the vanilla extract(s) and the desired amount of water or milk. Use less liquid for a stiffer frosting that dries slightly and makes cookies easier to stack; use more for a softer, buttercream-like consistency that stays soft for several days.
- Step 3: Beat the mixture on high speed until fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the mixer bowl and use immediately, or store airtight at room temperature until ready to frost cookies.
Tips & Variations
- For a nutty twist, swap half the vanilla extract with almond extract to enhance the flavor complexity.
- If you prefer a dairy-free frosting, substitute milk with water or a plant-based milk alternative.
- Adjust the liquid slowly; frosting consistency can change quickly based on humidity and temperature.
Storage
Store the frosting airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days. Before use, gently stir to restore fluffiness. Avoid refrigeration as it may harden the frosting, making it difficult to spread.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting a day or two in advance and store it airtight at room temperature. Just give it a quick stir before using to restore its light texture.
What if the frosting is too thin or too thick?
If the frosting is too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, gradually add a small amount of water or milk until you reach the desired consistency.
PrintSoft Cookie Frosting Recipe
This Soft Cookie Frosting recipe yields a creamy and fluffy frosting perfect for topping cookies. It balances the richness of butter and shortening with the sweetness of confectioners’ sugar and the aroma of vanilla and almond extracts. Adjust the liquid amount to achieve your desired frosting consistency, whether stiff to stack cookies easily or soft for a luscious buttercream texture that stays soft for days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Enough to frost approximately 24 standard cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- 3 cups (340g) confectioners’ sugar
- 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (92g) vegetable shortening
- 2 teaspoons King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract, or 1 teaspoon each vanilla and almond extracts
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup (28g to 57g) water or milk
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: Using a hand or stand mixer, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, softened unsalted butter, and vegetable shortening just until combined to form the frosting base.
- Add Flavors and Liquids: With the mixer on medium speed, gradually add the vanilla and almond extracts along with the desired amount of water or milk. Use less liquid for a stiffer frosting suitable for stacking cookies, or more for a soft, buttercream-like consistency that remains soft for several days.
- Beat Until Fluffy: Increase mixer speed to high and beat the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until fluffy. Once achieved, remove from the mixer bowl and use immediately to frost cookies, or store airtight at room temperature until needed.
Notes
- For a more stable frosting that is easier to stack, use the lesser amount of liquid.
- To achieve a softer, creamier frosting, add the higher amount of liquid and beat thoroughly.
- This frosting is best used immediately but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
- Adjust the extracts to personal taste; almond extract adds a complementary flavor to vanilla.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute milk with water or a plant-based milk alternative.
Keywords: soft cookie frosting, buttercream frosting, easy cookie frosting, frosting for stacking cookies, vanilla almond frosting
