Best-Ever Easy Christmas Cookie Frosting Recipe

Christmas cookie frosting should be creamy, smooth, and easy to spread or pipe—and this simple recipe delivers all three. Made with shortening, powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and cream, it creates a rich, festive frosting that is perfect for decorating holiday cookies, cupcakes, and Christmas treats.

Recipe at a Glance

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time:
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8 cups

Why Make This Recipe

• Quick and simple: This frosting comes together in just 15 minutes with basic ingredients.
• Perfect for decorating: Its smooth, slightly firm texture works well in a piping bag.
• Rich, classic flavor: Vanilla and almond extracts add a delicious bakery-style taste.
• Great for a crowd: A generous 8-cup yield makes it ideal for holiday cookie exchanges, parties, and large batches of Christmas cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup shortening (such as Crisco (*see notes))
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (*nut allergies see notes)
• 8 cups powdered sugar (about a 2 lb bag)
• 1/2 Cup heavy cream (or whole milk (more or less added to desired consistency))
• Food coloring (if desired)

How to Make It

1. In the bowl of your mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl for use with your handheld electric mixer, place shortening and extracts. BEAT until creamy (at least 1 minute). Beating the shortening and extracts first helps create a smooth base before adding the powdered sugar.

2. ADD powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Mix after each addition so the sugar incorporates evenly and does not spill from the bowl.

3. ADD cream 2-3 Tablespoons at a time, alternating with the powdered sugar. Continue alternating the powdered sugar and cream until all ingredients are added.

4. MIX until creamy. Use more or less cream (or whole milk) to reach desired consistency. The frosting should be smooth enough to pipe through a piping bag, but still a bit more firm than typical store-bought frosting.

5. ADD a 2-3 drops of gel food coloring if desired. Mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the frosting.

How to Serve It

• Pipe or spread the frosting onto cooled Christmas cookies, sugar cookies, or gingerbread cookies.
• Use different gel food coloring shades to create festive red, green, white, or pastel decorations.
• Finish frosted cookies with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or other edible holiday decorations.

How to Store It

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it soften and mix it again until creamy. Add a small amount of heavy cream or whole milk if needed to restore the desired piping or spreading consistency.

The frosting can also be stored in the freezer in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator, then allow it to soften before mixing until smooth. Avoid heating the frosting, as warmth can affect its texture and cause it to become greasy or runny.

Helpful Tips

1. Add the powdered sugar gradually, 1 cup at a time, to keep the frosting smooth and manageable.
2. Add the cream slowly because the amount needed may vary depending on the desired consistency.
3. For the best decorating results, make sure cookies are completely cool before spreading or piping on the frosting.
4. Use gel food coloring when possible for vibrant color without adding much extra liquid.
5. If using almond extract, review the ingredient label carefully when serving anyone with nut allergies.

Optional Variations

• Use whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter frosting texture.
• For a vanilla-forward frosting, replace the almond extract with additional vanilla extract.
• Divide the frosting into several bowls and tint each portion with a different gel food coloring for colorful holiday designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes. Whole milk can be used in place of heavy cream. Add it gradually until the frosting reaches your preferred consistency.

Is this frosting suitable for piping?
Yes. Adjust the cream or whole milk so the frosting is smooth enough to pipe while remaining slightly firmer than typical store-bought frosting.

Can I leave out the almond extract?
Yes. If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, omit the almond extract or replace it with additional vanilla extract.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then let it soften and mix it again before using.

How much frosting does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 cups of frosting.

Christmas Cookie Frosting

This creamy, smooth Christmas cookie frosting is perfect for decorating holiday cookies and cupcakes. Made with basic ingredients, it delivers a rich flavor that will enhance your festive treats.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Baking, Dessert

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 8 cups

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 Cup shortening (such as Crisco) *see notes
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract *nut allergies see notes
• 8 cups powdered sugar (about a 2 lb bag)
• 1/2 Cup heavy cream (or whole milk) (more or less added to desired consistency)
• Food coloring (if desired)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In the bowl of your mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl for use with your handheld electric mixer, place shortening and extracts. Beat until creamy (at least 1 minute).
• Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition to incorporate evenly.
• Add cream 2-3 tablespoons at a time, alternating with the powdered sugar, until all ingredients are added.
• Mix until creamy. Adjust the amount of cream (or whole milk) to reach desired consistency.
• If desired, add 2-3 drops of gel food coloring and mix until color is evenly distributed.

Serving

• Pipe or spread the frosting onto cooled Christmas cookies, sugar cookies, or gingerbread cookies.
• Use different gel food coloring shades to create festive decorations.
• Finish frosted cookies with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or other edible decorations.

Storage

• Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it soften and mix it again until creamy.
• The frosting can also be stored in the freezer in an airtight container.
• Thaw it in the refrigerator, then allow it to soften before mixing.

Notes

Add powdered sugar gradually to keep the frosting smooth. For best results, ensure cookies are completely cool before frosting. Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without adding extra liquid.

Keyword almond frosting, Christmas frosting, cookie decorating, Holiday Treats, vanilla frosting