Go Back
View from the above, of several round cookies decorated with buttercream.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Crusting Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Recipe for buttercream frosting for cookie decorating. This hybrid recipe is made by combining two buttercream frostings: American Buttercream and Easy Melted Butter Frosting. It's great for piping and spreading onto cookies.
Allow buttercream to harden for 6-9 hours before stacking.
Makes 4 cups.
1 serving is 3 tablespoons.
Prep Time10 minutes
Course: Cookies, Dessert, Frosting
Cuisine: American
Keyword: american buttercream, butter frosting, buttercream frosting, cookie decorating frosting, crusting buttercream
Servings: 20 servings
Author: Hani

Ingredients

CRUSTING BUTTERCREAM FROSTING (hybrid buttercream) for cookie decorating

American Buttercream

  • 1/2 cup unsalted room temperature butter (113grams)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (250 grams)
  • pinch of salt

Easy Melted Butter Frosting

  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature (70grams)
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 3½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp Almond Extract (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp Lemon Extract (optional)

Crusting Buttercream Frosting - Hybrid Frosting

  • 1 tbsp corn starch

Instructions

CRUSTING BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

    American Buttercream

    • At low speed and with a whisk attachment, beat room temperature (1 stick, 113 grams) butter until smooth, about 30 seconds. Then gradually add powdered sugar (2 cups, 250 grams), 1 cup at a time.
      Once the powdered sugar is mixed in, increase the speed to medium and beat well for about 2-3 minutes; beat in a pinch of salt.
      TIP: If your powdered sugar has lumps, sift it before using it.

    Easy Melted Butter Frosting

    • Beat butter (5tbsp, melted and cooled to room temperature), powdered sugar ( 3cups and 1/2 cup), heavy whipping cream (2-3tablespoons) until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons), Almond Extract (1 teaspoon), and Lemon Extract (1/4 teaspoon).
      TIP: Almond and Lemon extracts are optional.

    Crusting Buttercream Frosting - Hybrid Frosting

    • Gradually beat melted butter frosting into the American buttercream. Beat in corn starch (1 tablespoon). If it's too stiff, you can add more heavy whipping cream. But don't thin it down too much.
    • Color buttercream with concentrated gel colors, and keep it covered to prevent crusting.
    • Store frosting in an airtight container to prevent crusting. This Buttercream Frosting won't crust hard like royal icing. Allow frosted cookies to air dry for 9-12hours before stacking.

    Notes

    • How long should I wait for the frosting to crust before stacking or packaging cookies? - I recommend you wait for the frosting to crust well. Airdry cookies for 9-12 hours before stacking or packaging.