4-Ingredient Powdered Sugar Frosting ~ Simple Sweet Recipes (2024)

You are here: Home / Dessert / 4-Ingredient Powdered Sugar Frosting

February 7, 2017 by Janel 52 Comments

Sweet and so easy, this 4-ingredient powdered sugar frosting is my favorite! A go-to recipe for frosting soft sugar cookies, graham crackers, or cake.

Affiliate links are used in this post.

4-Ingredient Powdered
Sugar Frosting

I’ve used this frosting for years.

My grandma would always buy a big ol’ bag of powdered sugar.

4-Ingredient Powdered Sugar Frosting ~ Simple Sweet Recipes (3)

Then, I’d ask how we were going to make the frosting and she’d flip the powdered sugar bag right over and show me the recipe on the back of the bag.

She used that recipe for as long as I can remember.

4-Ingredient Powdered Sugar Frosting ~ Simple Sweet Recipes (4)

We’d mix up a couple of colors. Usually green, blue, yellow, and a pink’ish red.

4-Ingredient Powdered Sugar Frosting ~ Simple Sweet Recipes (5)

We’d frost our soft sugar cookies first. Then use whatever was left to slather onto some graham crackers.

Easy Powdered Sugar Frosting Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Sweet and so easy, this 4-ingredient powdered sugar frosting is my favorite! A go-to recipe for frosting soft sugar cookies, graham crackers, or cakes.

Ingredients

3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk
Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Combine powdered sugar and softened butter with an electric mixer.
Add vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk.
Gradually add additional milk, if needed, until you reach a smooth, easy to spread frosting.
Once prepared, add food coloring, if desired, stirring the coloring in by spoon.

*If too runny, add additional powdered sugar to thicken your frosting.

Original Recipe from: Betty Crocker Vanilla Frosting

4-Ingredient Powdered Sugar Frosting ~ Simple Sweet Recipes (7)

4-Ingredient Powdered Sugar Frosting ~ Simple Sweet Recipes (8)

About Janel

I'm a sweets addict that enjoys eating yummy treats and good food! I'm also the mom of five beautiful boys from 4-12.

Previous Post: « Italian Soda Sherbet Punch Drink

Next Post: 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies »

Reader Interactions

Comments

maria @closetohome says
February 22, 2017 at 10:02 am

This looks perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. I have not made sugar cookies in a while, thanks for the inspiration.
Reply
Kristi says
February 23, 2017 at 6:51 am

This looks like an easy recipe. Will have to show it to my daughter, she has really gotten into cooking and baking and wants to try making fancy cookies.
Reply
- Lynda says
  October 31, 2021 at 9:01 pm
  
  I used to make Christmas cookies with this frosting with my mom. Great memories
  Reply
Becky says
February 23, 2017 at 12:21 pm

I love how simple and easy this is to make! I can’t wait to make frosted cookies with my kid!
Reply
- Char says
  August 15, 2021 at 4:15 am
  
  OMG THIS IS AMAZING! IT WORKS DO WELL AND OMGGG I LOVE THIS!
  Reply
Mel says
February 24, 2017 at 7:18 am

This is by far the easiest frosting to make! I love that you have this 4 ingredient powdered Sugar frosting in green, perfect for St Patrick’s Day!
Reply
Scott says
February 24, 2017 at 11:15 am

It really is so easy. Once you try it this way you’ll never buy the stuff in a can again!
Reply
Susan says
July 17, 2017 at 2:49 pm
See Also
The Best Yorkshire Pudding Recipe Real German Snickerdoodles Recipe Best homemade Southern cornbread recipe without sugar Traditional Scottish Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Try almond extract instead of vanilla. My grandmothers recipe. I have been making it that way for over 50 years.
Reply
- Janel says
  July 19, 2017 at 9:23 am
  
  Yum! We use almond extract in a glaze recipe and it’s delicious. Great idea!
  Reply
  - Bren says
    August 8, 2017 at 7:25 pm
    
    You can use any Flavor extract you like.
Danielle says
November 26, 2017 at 4:22 pm

Hi! I’m looking forward to making your frosting! Does it keep overnight if refrigerated? I’m going to have a cookie decorating party & wanted to know if I could make the frosting the night before? Thank you for your help!
Reply
- Janel says
  December 14, 2017 at 12:04 pm
  
  Yup! You can store it in the fridge overnight. Just give it a couple of good stirs before you go to use it and it should be good to go. Be sure to store it in a sealed container so it stays fresh.
  Reply
Vicki says
December 11, 2017 at 1:16 pm

Assuming this needs to be refrigerated if made in advance; to soften, should I just bring it to room temp? Having cookie decorating for kids at my Christmas party & would love to have several color options for the icing!
Reply
- Janel says
  December 14, 2017 at 12:00 pm
  
  You can make in advance and store in the fridge. Just give it a couple of stirs with a spoon when you take it out of the fridge and it should be good to go. It will spread easier when it reaches room temperature, but it will do just fine straight from the fridge as well.
  Reply
Tara says
December 16, 2017 at 2:18 pm

Does the frosting harden up after you put it on that cookies? Because you use milk would you have to keep the cookies in the fridge after?
Thanks!
Reply
- Janel says
  January 1, 2018 at 3:29 pm
  
  We’ve never stored the cookies in the fridge and they stay just fine. You’ll want to mix it up close to the consistency that you’re aiming for. It will thicken up a little, but will stay pretty close to the consistency you mix it up as.
  Reply
Cindi says
December 20, 2017 at 7:53 pm

This is so good!!! Thank you for sharing!
Reply
Cara Schmenk says
December 24, 2017 at 6:33 pm

Will the costing turn out ok if you don’t have a electric mixer?
Reply
- Janel says
  January 1, 2018 at 3:26 pm
  
  Yup, you can hand mix if needed.
  Reply
Virginia Johnson-Sears says
January 31, 2018 at 7:21 pm

I use Almond extract, less sweet
Reply
Love to bake says
February 15, 2018 at 10:17 pm

Super easy but way way too sweet. Next time I’ll only use 1.5 cups of powdered sugar and adjust the butter quantity accordingly.
Reply
- Becky says
  November 28, 2021 at 6:49 pm
  
  I have used this recipe for 50 years- We have always frozen the cookies, but they seem to discolor after thawing- any advice? we use gel food coloring .
  Reply
Nicole says
March 31, 2018 at 9:31 am
See Also
Speedy Same Day Sourdough Bread Recipe (Easy to Make)

This is the exact recipe mundo mom used to use when we made cut-outs. I was looking for the recipe over the holidays, but I found one similar. I’ve bookmarked this one already so I will have it for this year. Oh, and I knew it wasn’t meant to be because I have the same bell shaped cookie cutter!
Reply
- Nicole says
  March 31, 2018 at 9:32 am
  
  Meant to say *my* Mom, not mundo lol
  Reply
  - Nicole says
    March 31, 2018 at 9:33 am
    
    Wow look at all those typos. Also meant to say WAS meant to be. Not wasn’t. I got too excited lol
- Janel says
  April 2, 2018 at 9:13 am
  
  The bells are one of my favorites, lol!! They frost easily and fit in my cookie tupperware the best.
  Reply
Susan says
June 1, 2018 at 6:49 pm

Thank you, Janel for this quick and easy recipe, it’s source and the memories you have of making it. I have part of an unfrosted cake left over. We had been topping it with whipped cream, but ran out of it. I will make your frosting for my cake and the rest of the frosting will be for crackers and cookies!
Reply
Amy says
July 19, 2018 at 6:20 pm

Is this a joke?? I am dyinnnnnng over this frosting!!! I cannot believe I made something that tastes like this!! I did everything you said, and added a tiny splash of almond extract. I’m not sure if that made any difference, but omg… thank you so much!!! My first time making frosting was the easiest success! I can’t wait to experiment with colors!
Reply
- Janel says
  July 28, 2018 at 4:34 pm
  
  Oh good, lol. When I started reading this comment I thought you were not loving it. Hooray for easy frosting, right! Enjoy!!
  Reply
- Romonia F Calpin says
  May 22, 2022 at 11:49 am
  
  can I substitute water instead of milk?
  Reply
Melanie says
July 23, 2018 at 3:10 pm

Does this frosting harden after spreading it on the cookies to allow stacking them?
Reply
- Janel says
  July 28, 2018 at 4:34 pm
  
  Yes, it does harden some. We stack our sugar cookies frosted with a powdered sugar frosting with a layer of parchment paper between just to prevent any frosting sticking. You do need to wait until it’s dried some, before stacking though.
  Reply
Keela says
September 25, 2018 at 1:20 am

I just made this for a lemon poppyseed cake. I only used 1 tbsp of milk and substituted lemon juice for the rest. It turned out fabulous! Thank you for the recipe!
It was really really sweet, but that’s how I like my frosting 🙂
Reply
- Janel says
  October 16, 2018 at 11:26 am
  
  That sounds yummy! I love lemon everything!
  Reply
Hollie says
September 29, 2018 at 6:28 pm

Can I use unsalted butter?
Reply
- Janel says
  October 16, 2018 at 11:25 am
  
  Yup! You can use unsalted butter.
  Reply
Alishia says
November 20, 2018 at 10:41 pm

Makes absoulty the perfect frosting!
Reply
Michele says
December 15, 2018 at 8:31 am

I make this with powered milk..turn out great..just wondering if I can make it ahead of time and leave it out on the counter covered and frost a few house later
Reply
Candace Fata says
December 18, 2018 at 1:02 am

Thanks for the recipe! Could you substitute almond milk for regular milk?
Reply
- Janel says
  March 9, 2019 at 12:46 pm
  
  I think that would work great!!
  Reply
CINDY PAGE says
December 23, 2018 at 8:35 pm

I’ve used this recipe for 50+ yrs. I ice up a bunch, put in fridge to harden, then they stack great. Always get rave reviews..
Reply
Kerbie says
April 23, 2019 at 1:47 pm

About how much frosting does this make cups wise?
Reply
Christine says
December 9, 2019 at 12:24 pm

I actually freeze some of my extra frosted Christmas cookies and when I’m ready for a few more, I take them out of the freezer to thaw and eat that day. I have a sweet tooth. So the sugar cookies really help that. This is the same frosting I use for my sugar cookies. =o) Thanks for posting it!
Reply
Roxane Jude says
April 20, 2020 at 11:46 am

How can I make it chocolate ?
Reply
Shelly says
April 24, 2020 at 1:43 pm

Can I stick a jam in this icing
Reply
Kendall says
December 18, 2020 at 11:11 pm

Is this recipe gluten free?
Reply
Lisa says
December 24, 2020 at 4:47 pm

These turned out perfect! I added a fourth the flour – plus a little bit more just in case per the other comments. They are delicious and look just like regular cutout cookies
Reply
Dorian says
December 22, 2021 at 4:45 pm

So easy and sooo good! Very nice and creamy. I have used this on a couple of cookie recipes this year. Everyone loved it!
Thank you.
Reply
Patti says
March 10, 2022 at 7:16 pm

I am having difficulty, the powdered sugar is not dissolving, lots of tiny powdered sugar beads . Tastes great.
How can I correct this?
Reply
- Heather says
  October 9, 2022 at 4:43 pm
  
  Hi – Try running your powered sugar through a sifter or a fine sieve to get rid of the hard bits.
  Reply
Josie Heflin says
December 22, 2022 at 6:21 pm

I’m wanting to use a few colors. How much frosting would you say this makes! I’m wondering if I should double it or not. I’m super excited to use this recipe!! ☺️
Reply
KATHY HERBERT says
July 23, 2023 at 10:11 pm

This is the way our mothers and grandmothers frosted cakes before canned frosting were introduced to the grocery stores. It’s good to go back to the old ways
Reply

4-Ingredient Powdered Sugar Frosting ~ Simple Sweet Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you make powdered sugar frosting taste better? ›

Liquid: If you want the flavor of the vanilla to shine, choose milk to make your powdered sugar icing. To add subtle citrus flavor to the frosting, use orange or lemon juice instead.

What is the easiest frosting wherein powdered sugar is mixed with a liquid? ›

A basic icing is called a glacé, containing powdered sugar (also known as icing sugar or confectioners' sugar) and water. This can be flavored and colored as desired, for example, by using lemon juice in place of the water.

Know More ›

What happens if you use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar for frosting? ›

"Regular sugar has a larger crystal size than powdered sugar," he explains. "This means, cup for cup, there would be more sugar in a cup of powdered sugar than in a cup of regular sugar." In addition to inconsistent measurements, regular sugar won't dissolve and mix as well into recipes like frosting and icing.

Discover More ›

What to add to store bought frosting to make it taste homemade? ›

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract works with any flavor and will turn up the volume on any other addition. Other options include lemon, almond, orange, peppermint, or any extract that goes with the frosting or the cake. Flavored coffee syrups.

Explore More ›

How do you make powdered sugar frosting not gritty? ›

One easy fix is to re-whip the frosting, preferably with the paddle attachment, on medium speed until it becomes smoother. (You can let it go for quite a bit!) If the buttercream is still grainy, you can try warming it up over a double boiler or adding a little bit of heavy cream. What is this?

Learn More Now ›

Is there a difference between icing sugar and powdered sugar? ›

Let's get it out of the way: Is confectioners' sugar powdered sugar? Yes! Powdered sugar, confectioners' sugar (including confectioners sugar and confectioner's sugar too), icing sugar, and 10X (a reference to the size of the particles) are all the same.

Do you need cornstarch for powdered sugar? ›

Cornstarch is used to keep the powdered sugar dry and stops it from caking. If you are using the powdered sugar immediately in frosting or to dust over a cake then you can skip the cornstarch however, if you are storing it for later you'll need to add it for best results.

Tell Me More ›

How do you make icing sugar if you don't have any? ›

If you have run out of icing sugar or can't find any to buy, you can make your own by whizzing granulated or caster sugar in a food processor, powerful blender, standard blender, coffee or spice grinder, or more laboriously, in a mortar and pestle.

Keep Reading ›

Should you sift powdered sugar for frosting? ›

One sure bet to give yourself away as an amateur cake baker is lumpy frosting. To avoid visible clumps of powdered sugar, simply sift the powdered sugar with a sifter or mesh strainer before adding it to your recipe.

Learn More ›

Why is my powdered sugar frosting runny? ›

The temperature of your icing may not be the cause of it being runny. It may be that there is too much liquid in your mixture or not enough dry ingredients. Liquid ingredients may include whole milk, nondairy milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract or other extracts.

What is an icing made of butter and or shortening blended with confectioners sugar? ›

Buttercream

Find Out More ›

How do you make your own confectioners sugar? ›

Pour granulated sugar into a blender or food processor. Blend the sugar until it is a fine, fluffy powdered sugar. The more refined, whiter sugars make the fluffiest powdered sugars. Use powdered sugar immediately or save it for later.

Get More Info ›

What is cane icing sugar? ›

Our sugar is made using the juice of the sugarcane plant. Tate & Lyle® Cane Icing Sugar has a fine, silky texture. Essential for dusting, glazing or making buttercream. Did You Know. That pastry chefs prefer Tate & Lyle® Sugars?

Show Me More ›

Is one cup of sugar equal to one cup of powdered sugar? ›

Generally, it's recommended to use 1 cup of granulated sugar for 1 3/4 cups of powdered sugar. A more accurate (and easier) way to substitute the sugars is based on weight, not volume. If a recipe calls for 1 cup of powdered sugar (4 ounces, or 113 grams), you should use 4 ounces of granulated sugar.

How do you add flavor to powdered sugar? ›

To make flavored powdered sugar, zap freeze-dried fruit in the blender until it's reached a powdered state, then combine it with powdered sugar. Turn it into a colorful glaze for cakes or sugar cookies with a dribble of liquid (water, milk, or lemon juice will all do the trick).

Get More Info Here ›

Can you add powdered sugar to store bought frosting? ›

Thicken it with powdered sugar: Need frosting that can be piped onto a cake? Thicken store-bought frosting by mixing in powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Whip it until fluffy: To make frosting fluffy, it needs to be aerated.

Know More ›

How do you make royal icing taste less like powdered sugar? ›

Using salt and acid (cream of tartar) balances the sugary sweetness. Silver rum adds a subtle flavor, without darkening the icing like vanilla.

Can you add too much powdered sugar to frosting? ›

If you add too much at once, the frosting will become too sweet and may become too thick. If this happens, you will need to add more liquid to balance it out, and the consistency problem may only continue from there. For royal icing: Stir in ¼ cup (25 g) of powdered sugar at a time and see if the consistency improves.

Find Out More ›

4-Ingredient Powdered Sugar Frosting ~ Simple Sweet Recipes (2024)

4-Ingredient Powdered Sugar Frosting

Easy Powdered Sugar Frosting Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

About Janel

Reader Interactions

Comments

Leave a Reply

FAQs

How do you make powdered sugar frosting taste better? ›

What is an icing made of butter and or shortening blended with confectioners sugar? ›

4-Ingredient Powdered
Sugar Frosting