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

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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.

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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.

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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
Traditional Toad in the Hole Recipe - My Gorgeous Recipes Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe Easy Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe (Video)5 Ingredient Healthy Pumpkin Cookies - Easy To Make 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
Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe

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 to make a sugar frosting? ›

In medium bowl, mix powdered sugar and butter with spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Stir in vanilla and 1 tablespoon of the milk. Gradually beat in just enough remaining milk to make frosting smooth and spreadable. If frosting is too thick, beat in more milk, a few drops at a time.

Read The Full Story ›

How to make 2 cups of powdered sugar? ›

The magic ratio is 1 cup granulated sugar to 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Combine the two in a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, a food processor, or spice grinder, then blitz away until you have a soft, powdery consistency—the total time could be several minutes, depending on the power of your machine.

View Details ›

What is the best powdered sugar for frosting? ›

If you generally use powdered sugar as the foundation for buttercream, frosting, or glaze, try looking for an organic, tapioca-based brand. Its silky mouthfeel, mellow flavor, and ability to thicken give you more luscious results.

Learn More Now ›

What can I use instead of sugar for frosting? ›

7 Substitutes For Powdered Sugar

Granulated sugar. 495 caloriesWe'll get into the substitutes for powdered sugar right away. ...
Granulated sugar. ...
Stevia. ...
Honey or maple syrup. ...
Coconut sugar. ...
Agave nectar. ...
Mashed bananas. ...
Powdered monk fruit sweetener.

Jun 16, 2023

Learn More Now ›

How to make powdered sugar? ›

Instructions

Pour granulated sugar into a blender or food processor. Blend the sugar until it is a fine, fluffy powdered sugar. ...
Use powdered sugar immediately or save it for later. You may want to sift the sugar before use for clump free, super fluffy sugar.

Discover More ›

How much powdered sugar is 4 cups? ›

One pound of powdered sugar contains approximately 4 cups. This is the usual size and amount in one box of powdered sugar. Compared to the other sugars listed here, powdered sugar (or confectioners sugar) is fluffier and light, so you get more cups per pound.

Get More Info ›

How do you make powdered sugar fast? ›

Add the granulated sugar and cornstarch to a powerful blender or food processor, and blend for 30 seconds, until the sugar is white and fluffy. Use it right away, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for later use. If it's lumpy, be sure to sift it before you use it. That's it!

Get More Info Here ›

How much sugar do I need to make a cup of powdered sugar? ›

(Half a cup of regular sugar will produce one cup of powdered sugar). Pour sugar into a high-powered blender. If using, add cornstarch. Blend on high until sugar is fine and fluffy (about 30 seconds).

Read The Full Story ›

Why does my powdered sugar icing taste weird? ›

The starch added to most powdered sugar can make frosting taste slightly metallic. Here's how to fix that: Melt the butter and mix it with the powdered sugar, salt, and milk in a stainless steel bowl. Set the bowl in a wide skillet of barely simmering water for 5 minutes, stirring from time to time.

Get More Info Here ›

How do you thicken powdered sugar frosting? ›

Dry/thick ingredients like cocoa powder, freeze dried fruit (powder,) and peanut butter will help thicken frosting, while vanilla and brown butter should be added sparingly to make sure it's the right texture. Storage Tips: Once you achieve the perfect consistency, store your frosting in an airtight container.

Learn More ›

Should you use powdered sugar or confectioners sugar for icing? ›

You should use confectioners' sugar when you want a sugar that will dissolve immediately and never be grainy, no matter what it's going into. The most popular recipes where that is important are: American Buttercream, Royal Icing and Whipped Cream.

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

It is possible to simply use granulated sugar in a slightly smaller amount, though you'll have to accept that the texture may not be ideal, especially for icing or other recipes that are supposed to be super smooth. Just substitute 1 cup of granulated sugar for every 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar and proceed as directed.

See Details ›

What happens if I use normal sugar instead of icing sugar? ›

"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.

Keep Reading ›

Is there a diabetic substitute for powdered sugar? ›

What You Need. Creating a sugar-free powdered sugar substitute is very easy. All you need is a little cornstarch and the same amount of granulated Splenda that your recipe lists for the powdered sugar.

Read On ›

What is sugar frosting made of? ›

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.

Read On ›

What is the ratio of sugar to icing 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.

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Is icing sugar the same as frosting? ›

You'll be glad to know there is a distinction between the two. In broad terms, frosting is thick and fluffy, and is used to coat the outside (and often the inner layers) of a cake. Icing is thinner and glossier than frosting, and can be used as a glaze or for detailed decorating.

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How do you sugar ice a cake? ›

To ice a cake, first make your icing by combining confectioner's sugar with boiling water, then stirring until it gets to your desired consistency. Flavor it with vanilla and add a few drops of food coloring if desired. Place a spoonful of icing on top of the cake and spread it evenly across the top and sides.