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Easy Cookie Cake Icing Recipe That Spreads Smoothly and Sets Soft

Easy Cookie Cake Icing Recipe

A smooth vanilla buttercream made especially for decorating cookie cakes. It spreads easily, pipes neatly, and can be tinted or flavored for birthdays, holidays, and everyday desserts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vanilla Buttercream
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon Fine salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons Whole milk or heavy cream
Optional Decoration
  • as needed Gel food coloring
  • as needed Sprinkles or mini chocolate chips

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl and beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until pale and creamy. Scrape the sides of the bowl so the butter mixes evenly.
  2. Add the powdered sugar in three additions, mixing on low speed after each addition to prevent a cloud of sugar. Once incorporated, beat the mixture for 1 minute until thick and smooth.
  3. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, then add the final tablespoon of liquid only if the icing needs to be softer.
  4. Taste the icing and adjust the flavor or texture as needed. Spread it over a fully cooled cookie cake, or transfer it to a piping bag for borders, lettering, and decorative swirls.

Notes

Use room-temperature butter for the smoothest texture, but do not melt it. Store leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, and let it soften at room temperature before remixing and using.