Perfect Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Frosting Recipe That Hardens Smoothly Every Time
A rich and buttery brown butter sugar cookie frosting that hardens smoothly with a silky texture, perfect for frosting sugar cookies without cracking or stickiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups frosting (enough for approximately 24-36 cookies depending on size) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) unsalted butter
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons (30-60ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- Optional: food coloring
Instructions
- Brown the butter: Melt 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. When the butter foams and turns a warm amber color with a nutty aroma, remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl. Let cool for 10-15 minutes until lukewarm.
- Sift 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl and add 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt.
- Pour the cooled brown butter into the powdered sugar. Using a hand or stand mixer on low speed, combine ingredients.
- Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and, if using, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract.
- Gradually add 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream to adjust consistency. Beat on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth. Add up to 2 more tablespoons (30ml) cream if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Test the frosting by spreading a small amount on a cookie or parchment paper. It should spread easily and firm up within 10-15 minutes at room temperature. Refrigerate for 10 minutes if too soft before using.
- Use immediately for piping or spreading. Apply a thin, even layer for a smooth finish that hardens nicely.
Notes
Watch the butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Cool the brown butter to lukewarm before mixing to prevent melting the powdered sugar. Add heavy cream gradually to adjust consistency. Refrigerate frosting briefly if too soft. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and coconut cream. Sift powdered sugar for smooth texture. Optional almond extract and food coloring can be added.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (about
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 40
- Fat: 5.5
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Protein: 0.1
Keywords: brown butter frosting, sugar cookie frosting, hardening frosting, easy frosting recipe, holiday baking, buttercream alternative