Fondant Frosting

Prep: 5 min Serves: 36

A smooth, versatile fondant frosting perfect for cookies, brownies, and nut treats. Its sweet vanilla flavor and vibrant color options make it ideal for decorating desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. melted butter or margarine
  • 2 Tbsp. milk, water, fruit juice or coffee
  • 1 1/2 c. sifted powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • Food coloring if desired

Instructions

  1. Combine melted butter or margarine, milk or water, sifted powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Blend well until smooth.
  2. Dip cooled baked cookies into the frosting.
  3. Set on a rack or waxed paper until the frosting sets.
  4. While still soft, sprinkle with coconut, colored sugar, crushed peppermint, or chopped nuts if desired.
  5. Use on brownies, butter cookies, nut cookies, molasses cookies, etc.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother fondant, ensure your powdered sugar is sifted well. If you want a flavored frosting, consider using flavored extracts besides vanilla. You can replace milk with fruit juice or coffee for a unique taste. To achieve vibrant colors, use gel food coloring, which won't affect the consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more liquid; if too thin, sift in more powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

This fondant frosting is perfect for dipping cookies, especially butter cookies and nut cookies. For added flair, serve with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs beautifully with brownies, making for a delightful dessert platter. For a festive touch, sprinkle with colored sugar or crushed peppermint before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover fondant frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it hardens, gently reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds, stirring until smooth again. Avoid refrigeration as this can change the texture, making it difficult to work with later.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fondant Frosting contains roughly 48 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

48 kcal 2% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.7g 1% DV
Total Fat 1.2g 2% DV
Carbs 8.1g 3% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 5.5g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 85.8mg 4% DV
Potassium 26.7mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 0.8mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 18.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 1.5mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 41.1mg 3% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this fondant frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the fondant frosting ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If it hardens, simply reheat it slightly to restore its smooth consistency before using.

Can I use this frosting on cakes?

While this fondant frosting is primarily designed for cookies, it can also be used to frost cakes. However, ensure to apply it in a thin layer as it can be quite sweet. For a lighter option, consider using it on a layer of whipped cream.

What can I substitute for powdered sugar?

If you don’t have powdered sugar on hand, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender until finely ground. Just be sure to sift it before using to avoid any graininess in your frosting.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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