Vanilla Almond Sugar Cookie Frosting is that magical touch that turns simple cookies into something truly special. With just the right blend of vanilla and almond, this frosting is perfect for giving your cookies a deliciously unique flavor. It's easy to whip up and makes any batch of cookies feel like a festive occasion!
Butter: Provides a creamy, rich base for the frosting. Make sure it's softened for easy mixing.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the perfect texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the almond extract perfectly.
Almond Extract: Gives the frosting a distinctive nutty flavor that makes it stand out.
Heavy Cream: Helps whip the frosting into a light and fluffy consistency.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
This frosting is perfect for sugar cookies, but it’s also fantastic on vanilla cupcakes or as a filling for sandwich cookies. For a fun twist, try using it to top brownies or swirled into a bundt cake.
Start by placing your softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat it on medium speed until it becomes creamy and smooth. This should take about a minute or two. You want to ensure there are no lumps, as smooth butter is the foundation of a good frosting.
Next, gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter. I like to do this about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to start, then increasing to medium. This prevents a sugar cloud from enveloping your kitchen. Continue beating until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Once your sugar and butter are well blended, pour in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix these on a low speed just until they’re combined. The extracts infuse the frosting with their wonderful flavors, so make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout.
Now, it’s time to add the heavy cream. Pour it in slowly while beating on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for achieving that light, fluffy texture. If the frosting seems too thick for your liking, you can add a little more cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Finally, give the frosting a last quick beat to ensure everything is perfectly smooth. It should be light, airy, and ready to spread or pipe onto your cookies.