The weather has finally turned cold and I’ve been spending as much time as I can curled up by the fire and enjoying my family. I’ve made a goal to do something special to create quality family time, each day of December. We started our advent calendar this morning and in addition to a scripture each day, I have an activity to complete that day. Then we draw a random act of kindness out of a bowl, to complete for the day.
I’m determined to make this Christmas season meaningful and have lasting memories with my loves. Today we started out with the best buttercream frosting recipe and some sugar cookie fun. Not a bad way to start off December! The gal who made my wedding cake a couple of years ago recently shared her frosting recipe with me, and I was so excited! I seriously dreamt about this frosting for months until I just had to order another cake to taste it again. I couldn’t believe she was willing to share the recipe with me, and now I get to share it with you! It’s close to a basic buttercream frosting, but just a little extra special!
Buttercream frosting isn’t just for cake – and sugar cookies go great with family activities and Christmas. I find myself constantly picking at the cookie dough (my fave) and licking frosting off my fingers, so we’re always sure to keep our carton of Boxed Water nearby during the baking and decorating. I need something to wash down all that sugar! The only drawback to sugar cookies is the huge mess so I try to minimize dishes where I can, plus I love that Boxed Water has a lid so we can take it with us when we head out the door to deliver our cookies.
While this frosting recipe is incredible, I can’t leave you hanging without the perfect sugar cookie recipe. I’ve previously shared my mom’s sugar cookie recipe here, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Best Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup of unsalted butter softened
- 3-4 cups of powdered sugar {sifted}
- 1/8 tsp of salt
- 1 Tbs vanilla extract not imitation
- 2-4 Tbs milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Mix butter on medium speed in an electric mixer, until smooth.
- Add one cup of powdered sugar at a time, on low speed, until fully incorporated. Start with 3 cups and only add the last cup if needed to thicken at the end.
- Add salt and vanilla and mix on medium. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and mix for 3 minutes.
- Check consistency and add more sugar or milk depending on spreadability. Add powdered sugar if too loose and add more milk if too stiff.
Shanna says
What if you don’t want to store these in the refrigerator? There is milk in the recipe.
Emily Buys says
I’m not sure I follow, Shanna?
Betty says
Shanna. I use the liquid, non-dairy, flavored coffee creamer to replace the milk. Then you do not have to store in fridge.
Bonus: they frosting is super yummy!!
Linda Borshay says
I was looking for a replacement recipe for cookie frosting, my old (very) recipe called for egg whites. With all the hoopla about uncooked eggs I felt it necessary to do so, even though we had NEVER become ill after eating the cookies! WoW, this was a fabulous replacement and a keeper recipe for frosting. Smooth, sweet (not too) and fluffy with body… go figure! So glad to find it and begin following you!
Emily Buys says
I’m so glad you like this one, Linda!