Creamy Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe That Hardens Yet Stays Soft Perfectly
A creamy sugar cookie frosting that balances softness and firmness, perfect for decorating cookies with a light, smooth texture that hardens on the surface but stays soft inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 24 servings (2 tablespoons per serving) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
Instructions
- Soften the butter and cream cheese by letting them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until soft but not melting.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and cream cheese on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
- Slowly add sifted powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid sugar dust. After all sugar is added, increase speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to loosen the frosting if too stiff and beat for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon cornstarch and mix well to help the frosting form a slight crust while keeping the inside creamy.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
- Spread or pipe the frosting onto fully cooled sugar cookies. The frosting will firm up on the surface but remain soft underneath.
Notes
Do not skip the chilling step to ensure the frosting hardens on the surface but stays soft inside. Use full-fat cream cheese and softened butter for best texture. If frosting is too runny, chill and re-whip. For vegan adaptation, use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter with plant milk, noting texture may vary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 1
Keywords: sugar cookie frosting, creamy frosting, cream cheese frosting, cookie decorating, easy frosting recipe, frosting that hardens, soft frosting