The BEST Buttercream Frosting

- 12 tbsp COLD unsalted butter chopped into about 8 pieces
- 5 c powered sugar
- 5 tbsp heavy cream
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Gel food coloring
- In a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, whip the butter on medium-high speed for about 4 minutes until really creamy.
- While mixing on low, gradually mix in powdered sugar, occasionally scraping the bowl. Mix together for about 2-3 minutes. The frosting will be quite clumpy – don’t worry! We'll make it creamy in just a sec!
- While continuing to mix, add in the cream 1 tbsp at a time. You really should only need 5 tbsp of cream – just continue to mix together and the frosting WILL get creamy! Mix in the vanilla & salt - continue to beat for another few seconds to ensure the vanilla and salt are fully mixed in.
- Color frosting as desired with gel food coloring. Spread frosting on sugar cookies soon after making the frosting – it will start to harden after an hour or two.


