Description
This classic sugar cookie frosting is soft, creamy, and perfectly spreadable—yet it sets firm enough for stacking, gifting, or storing. Made with shortening instead of butter, it resists melting and has a smooth, glossy finish. Simple to mix, easy to tint with food coloring, and just sweet enough—this is a go-to for holiday cookie decorating.
Ingredients
½ cup vegetable shortening
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
5 tablespoons milk (add more as needed for consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond for variation)
Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, beat shortening until creamy.
Gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar.
Add vanilla and milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached—spreadable but not runny.
Tint with food coloring if desired.
.
Spread onto cooled cookies. Let set at room temp for a few hours until firm to the touch.
Tips & Twists:
Add ¼ tsp almond extract for a bakery-style flavor
Mix in edible glitter or shimmer dust for sparkle
Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without thinning the frosting
Thin with more milk for drizzle-style icing, or thicken with extra sugar for piping
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 90 per 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 14g per 1 tbsp
- Sodium: 2mg per 1 tbsp
- Fat: 3g per 1 tbsp
- Carbohydrates: 15g per 1 tbsp