Very Vanilla Frosting

Submitted by MarthaStewartWanabe

"This is my easy, delicious frosting recipe for sugar cookie cut-outs. I use vanilla bean paste for an intense vanilla flavor and because I love to see the specks of vanilla beans throughout. If you cannot find vanilla bean paste, you may substitute with 2 tsp. vanilla extract. The frosting turns out smooth and creamy and sets up nicely."

 

• Ready In: 10mins
• Ingredients: 6
• Yields: 1 1/2 cups

ingredients

• 2 - 2 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted (salted butter preferred)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• food coloring (optional)

directions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, add powdered sugar, butter, milk and vanilla bean paste.
2. With a spoon, stir ingredients together until moistened. Form a well in the center of the mixture and add food coloring if desired.
3. With a hand-held electric mixer, beat on high for two minutes or until smooth and creamy. If a stiffer frosting is desired, add a little more powdered sugar at a time until desired consistency is reached. For a thinner frosting, use less powdered sugar or add a little more milk at a time until desired consistency.
4. Spread frosting onto cooled cookies. Allow frosted cookies to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes in order for frosting to become firm enough to pack cookies away in an air-tight container. Be sure to place a sheet of wax paper between each layer of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.

Reviews

[amyjotop]

I used this recipe to frost my gingerbread cookies. It's a great simple recipe. I did substitute the vanilla extract since I didn't have vanilla bean. I also added the milk a little at a time and didn't end up needing the entire 1/4 cup as I wanted the frosting thicker. It turned out great and tastes so good. Thank you!