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–+ servings
sugar cookies decorated with buttercream frosting that hardens.
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5 from 2 votes

Buttercream Frosting for Cookies (That Hardens!)

Sugar Cookie Buttercream Frosting that hardens is fluffy, creamy frosting that is easy to make and actually hardens enough to stack! Spread or pipe it onto your favorite sugar cookie recipe for beautifully decorated Christmas cookies for your holiday cookie platter. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 30
Calories: 98kcal
Author: Cara Lanz

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup shortening
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 4-6 tablespoons heavy cream or 3-5 tablespoons milk
  • gel food coloring

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Mix in vanilla.
  • Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and heavy cream. Start with 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons heavy cream; mix. Add 2 more cups powdered sugar and 2-3 more tablespoons heavy cream. Mix until light and fluffy.
  • If desired, divide the frosting between bowls and stir in gel food coloring. Spread or pipe the frosting onto cooled cookies.
  • Let the cookies sit at room temperature for several hours until the frosting is set and hardened. Store the cookies at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
    The frosting will dry firm enough to store the cookies stacked.

Notes

  • If lumps are in the butter and shortening mixture, keep mixing until they're gone, even if it takes longer than 5 minutes.  
  • Add more cream or milk as necessary if the frosting is too thick or more powdered sugar if it is too thin. 
  • If you add too much food coloring, the frosting may become runny. Add more powdered sugar. 
  • The frosting may develop a slight crust as you're frosting the cookies. Just stir it again until smooth. 

Nutrition

Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 3mg | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 77IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.01mg