Classic Butter Frosting

By jnkhockey

This is the simplest of frostings.

Ingredients

• ½ Cup butter or margarine (1 stick), softened
• 1 package (16 ounces) confectioners' sugar
• 4 to 6 tablespoons milk, half-and-half, or light cream
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• Lemon Butter Frosting
• Prepare as directed but omit vanilla and use 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel. Use only 1 to 2 tablespoons milk as needed for easy spreading consistency.
• Orange Butter Frosting
• Prepare as directed for Lemon Butter Frosting but substitute orange juice for lemon juice and orange peel for lemon peel.
• Brown Butter Frosting
• In small skillet, over medium heat, cook butter until melted and lightly browned; let cool. Prepare as directed.

Preparation

Step 1

In large bowl, with mixer at medium-low speed, beat butter, confectioners' sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, and vanilla until smooth and blended. Beat in additional milk as needed for easy spreading consistency. Increase speed to medium-high; beat frosting until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. M

Makes about 2 1/3 cups.