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A flat lay image showing the simple ingredients for confectioner's sugar icing: powdered sugar, milk, and butter.

Powdered Sugar Frosting (The Easiest 5-Minute Recipe)

Discover the quickest, most versatile powdered sugar frosting recipe. This easy 4-ingredient icing is perfect for cookies, cakes, and cinnamon rolls, and can be made thick for spreading or thin for a glaze in just 5 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted to remove lumps
  • 3-4 tbsp milk or heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. Sift the powdered sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl to ensure there are no lumps.
  2. Add the melted butter, 3 tablespoons of milk, and the vanilla extract to the bowl.
  3. Whisk everything together until the frosting is completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Check the consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk until it reaches your desired texture. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time.

Notes

For a Thinner Glaze: Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it's a drizzling consistency.
For Thicker Frosting: Add more sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it's firm enough for piping or spreading.
Flavor Variations: Swap vanilla extract for lemon juice, or add 1/4 cup of sifted cocoa powder for different flavors.