Whenever I think back to the holidays at my grandmother’s house, I’m reminded of the countless hours we would spend decorating sugar cookies. Each meticulous dollop of frosting and sprinkle of colorful sugar made those moments unforgettable. It was more than just a tasty treat; it was a work of art, a tradition, and a bonding experience wrapped into one delicious package. So I’m thrilled to share a bit of that nostalgia with you through the treasured Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Frosting recipe.
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How to make Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Frosting
Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Frosting is a pre-made frosting product designed for sugar cookies, though it can also be used on other baked goods. It’s a convenient way to decorate cookies quickly without the need to prepare homemade frosting.
Ingredients
4 cups powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 to 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Optional: Food coloring of your choice or flavor extracts for customization
Instructions
Blend the Butter and Sugar:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating slowly until the sugar is fully incorporated into the butter.
Add Milk and Vanilla:
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add milk one tablespoon at a time, beating at medium speed until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. For spreading frosting, you might prefer it to be a bit stiffer, whereas a more fluid consistency works well for piping detailed designs.
Color and Flavor:
If you’re adding food coloring or any additional flavor extracts, incorporate them last. Continue to beat the frosting until the color is uniform and you’ve achieved the desired flavor intensity.
Tips for Perfect Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Frosting
Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter is pivotal for a creamy texture without lumps.
Sift Your Sugar: To achieve the smoothest frosting, sift your powdered sugar before mixing it with the butter to avoid lumps.
Adjust Consistency: Depending on what you’re using the frosting for (spreading, piping, dripping), adjust the consistency by adding more milk to thin it or more powdered sugar to thicken it.
Keep It Covered: Frosting can dry out quickly. If you’re not using it immediately, cover it directly with plastic wrap on the surface to prevent crusting.
Chill for Stability: If you need your frosting designs to hold their shape better, chill the frosted cookies in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes.
Ingredients Substitutes
When it comes to making Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Frosting, not everyone will have all the standard ingredients on hand, or you may need to adjust the recipe for specific dietary restrictions.
Powdered Sugar Substitute
DIY Powdered Sugar: You can make your powdered sugar by blending 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a blender or food processor until it is a fine powder.
Sugar-Free Alternative: For a sugar-free version, use a powdered sugar substitute that measures like sugar, such as a stevia or erythritol blend designed for baking.
Butter Substitute
Margarine: If you’re out of butter, you can use an equal amount of margarine. However, this may affect the flavor slightly.
Dairy-Free Alternatives: To make the frosting dairy-free, opt for vegan butter or even coconut oil (though coconut oil may impart a slight coconut flavor).
Milk Substitute
Other Dairy: If you’re out of milk, other dairy products like heavy cream or half-and-half can be used for a richer frosting. Use sparingly, as they are thicker than milk.
Dairy-Free Milk: For those avoiding dairy, any unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.) can be used as a 1:1 substitute. Just keep an eye on consistency, as non-dairy milks may differ in thickness.
Vanilla Extract Substitute
Almond Extract: Almond extract can bring a nutty and sweet flavor, use half the amount as it’s typically stronger than vanilla.
Other Extracts: Depending on the desired flavor, you could use lemon, peppermint, or orange extract to add a unique twist to your frosting.
Food Coloring Substitute
Natural Dyes: If you avoid artificial colors, consider using natural food-based dyes, such as beet juice for red/pink, turmeric powder for yellow, or spirulina powder for green.
Frozen Fruit Juice: A bit of thawed frozen fruit juice concentrate can create a soft tint and add a hint of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This custom Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Frosting is easy to prepare and a delightful way to express your creativity.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating slowly until the sugar is fully incorporated into the butter.
Add Milk and Vanilla:
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add milk one tablespoon at a time, beating at medium speed until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. For spreading frosting, you might prefer it to be a bit stiffer, whereas a more fluid consistency works well for piping detailed designs.
Color and Flavor:
If you're adding food coloring or any additional flavor extracts, incorporate them last. Continue to beat the frosting until the color is uniform and you’ve achieved the desired flavor intensity.
