Description
A smooth, creamy cookie frosting recipe perfect for decorating about two dozen cookies. This frosting blends the rich flavors of butter, vanilla, coconut, and almond extracts with powdered sugar and cream to create a fluffy, flavorful topping. Ideal for adding a delicate tint with gel food coloring without compromising texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter (softened, 2 sticks)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (divided)
- 4-6 tablespoons cream (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (preferably Mexican vanilla)
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Beat the butter: In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the softened butter until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, remembering to scrape down the sides and bottom to ensure even mixing.
- Add half the powdered sugar and cream: Mix in half of the powdered sugar along with 2 tablespoons of cream. Beat thoroughly and scrape the bowl sides and bottom again.
- Add remaining powdered sugar and cream: Incorporate the rest of the powdered sugar and add 2 more tablespoons of cream. Beat well to combine completely.
- Add flavor extracts and salt: Stir in the salt, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and almond extract. Beat well and scrape the sides and bottom once again for even distribution.
- Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of cream gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add color: Mix in gel food coloring if tinting the frosting. Avoid liquid food coloring to maintain texture.
- Frost the cookies: Use the frosting to decorate about two dozen cookies, depending on their size and shape. Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- Store and reuse: Leftover frosting can be enjoyed on graham crackers or stored for future use.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering frosting consistency.
- Scraping down the bowl frequently ensures a smooth, well-mixed frosting.
- This recipe yields enough frosting for approximately 24 standard-sized cookies.
- Store frosted cookies at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Leftover frosting can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
