BUTTERCREAM SANDWICH COOKIES RECIPES

Steps:

• Cream the butter/shortening until completely smooth. Beat in vanilla extract. (If using all shortening, add 1/4 teaspoon fine sea or kosher salt.)On low speed, add sifted sugar, about 1 cup at a time, alternating with 1 tablespoon of milk. Stop frequently to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. After the last addition of the sugar, evaluate the consistency of the frosting before adding more milk. Beat for 2 more minutes, on medium-high speed if a very fluffy frosting is desired. The frosting should be thick and not fall off a spatula unless tapped on the side of the bowl. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed. Use immediately, or press plastic wrap onto the icing and refrigerate. Before using from refrigeration, stir vigorously to a spreading consistency. Frosting may be tinted if desired.

Steps:

• Beat the butter in a large bowl until soft. Add half of the icing sugar and beat until smooth.
• Add the remaining icing sugar and one tablespoon of the milk and vanilla extract and beat the mixture until creamy and smooth. Beat in the remaining milk, if necessary, to loosen the mixture.
• Stir in the food colouring, if using, until well combined.
• For the orange buttercream variation, omit the milk and vanilla from the basic recipe. Stir in the orange zest and juice until thoroughly combined.
• For the chocolate variation, omit the milk from the basic recipe. Cream the butter and sugar, as above, also adding the cocoa powder. Allow the melted chocolate to cool for 10 minutes before adding to the whipped butter and sugar. Beat until well combined.