Creamy Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe That Sets Perfectly Every Time
A quick and easy cream cheese frosting perfect for sugar cookies that sets beautifully without being too soft or too stiff. This frosting balances tangy cream cheese with smooth sweetness for a luscious, crowd-pleasing topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups frosting (approximately 12 servings of 2 tablespoons each) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 to 3 cups (250 to 375 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Take cream cheese and butter out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting to soften to room temperature.
- Sift 2 cups (250 grams) of powdered sugar into a bowl to remove any lumps.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, beating briefly to combine.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
- After all sugar is incorporated, beat on medium-high for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Check the frosting’s thickness by spreading a small dollop on a plate; add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time if too soft.
- If frosting feels too soft, chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to firm up but remain spreadable.
- Use an offset spatula or piping bag to frost sugar cookies.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and flavor. Sift powdered sugar to avoid gritty texture. Chill frosting if too soft to help it set. For dairy-free version, substitute vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter. Adding lemon zest or almond extract adds a nice twist. Avoid adding too much powdered sugar to prevent frosting from becoming too stiff.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 gr
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cream cheese frosting, sugar cookie frosting, easy frosting recipe, cream cheese sugar cookie frosting, frosting that sets, creamy frosting