How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting For Sugar Cookies

Cream cheese frosting has a slightly sweet, tangy flavor from the combination of real cream cheese and powdered sugar. This is the same frosting that is commonly used with carrot cake and certain cupcakes. Save the expense of a commercial cream cheese frosting by making it at home. Customize the flavor to accentuate your sugar cookies and thin the texture if needed to make it easier to spread.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 8 oz cream cheese
• Large mixing bowl
• Stand or hand-held electric mixer
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla, almond or citrus extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Place cold, unsalted butter into the mixer bowl with softened cream cheese. Beat them on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until they are well-blended and fluffy.

2. Add the powdered sugar, 1/2-1 cup at a time. Mix it well between each addition.

3. Add milk to the bowl to thin the consistency if needed for your application. Pour in the extract, if desired. Beat the mixture on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes or until it is fluffy.

4. Refrigerate any unused frosting for up to 1 week.

Tips & Warnings

• Add fresh citrus zest with the corresponding citrus extract for added flavor, if desired.

• Do not use margarine or another butter substitute. Real butter protects the texture of the frosting; substitutes may result in a softer texture.

References

• Kraft Foods: PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Frosting
• Wilton: Cream Cheese Icing