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Sugar Cookie Frosting

This sugar cookie frosting is made with confectioners' sugar and shortening instead of butter so it's less likely to melt. It has a lovely vanilla flavor. It's quick and easy to make and works well on both soft and crisp sugar cookies. It starts out soft and spreadable but firms up nicely for cookie stacking and storage.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine French
Servings 48 people
Calories 9642.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Electric Mixer Stand mixer or hand mixer for creaming and beating.
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For preparing the frosting.
  • 1 Spatula For scraping bowls and spreading frosting.
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • 2 Small bowls For separating and coloring frosting, if desired.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • ½ cup shortening
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 5 tablespoons milk or more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or more to taste
  • food coloring Optional

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Allrecipes/Oana Ennis
  • Beat shortening in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in confectioners' sugar in small amounts, alternating with 5 tablespoons milk, until smooth. Mix in vanilla and continue to beat until frosting is stiff and glossy, about 5 minutes, adding more milk if needed. Allrecipes/Oana Ennis
  • Mix in food coloring, separating into smaller bowls if using multiple colors. Allrecipes/Oana Ennis
  • Spread frosting on cookies or fill piping bags and decorate cookies as desired. Allrecipes/Kim Shupe 

Notes

The use of shortening is a key characteristic of this frosting, providing a stable, melt-resistant finish that performs excellently for stacking cookies without smudging, especially in warmer conditions. Achieving a stiff and glossy consistency is crucial for proper setting; ensure thorough beating for at least 5 minutes after all ingredients are combined. Adjust the milk incrementally to reach your desired spreadable or piping consistency. For flavor variations, consider swapping part of the vanilla extract for almond, lemon, or peppermint extract.