How to Frost Cookies like a Pro using Canned Frosting (2024)

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Learn how to frost cookies like a pro using canned frosting! Not only is this method quick and easy, but it’s also very polished looking.
If you love those fancy sugar cookies you see on Instagram and Pinterest, but you aren’t interested in spending hours decorating something you’re going to eat — this tutorial is for YOU.
– Ashton

How to Frost Cookies like a Pro using Canned Frosting (1)

How to Frost Cookies like a Pro using Canned Frosting (2)

A quick tip: if you are frosting multiple layers (frosting on top of frosting), give the cookies a quick chill in between layers. It makes the frosting sturdy and even easier to work with.

How to Frost Cookies like a Pro using Canned Frosting

Yield: Varies

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Cookie Bake + Cool Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: 1.00

We make it easy to frost cookies like a pro using canned frosting!

Materials

Sugar cookies, completely cooled
Store-bought white frosting (1 per desired color)
Food coloring
Sprinkles, candies, etc for decorating

Tools

Wilton #5 round piping tip
Piping bags

Instructions

Mix food coloring into the frosting until it reaches the desired shade.
Spoon about 1/4 of the frosting into a piping bag fitted with the #5 piping tip.
Outline the cookies. This will create a dam so you can flood the inside of the cookie (which will create a smooth surface).
Carefully remove any remaining pieces of foil from around the edge of the frosting container. Then microwave the remaining frosting in 20-second increments.
Mix well in between heating increments. Be sure to incorporate all of the frosting, scraping the bottom of the container really well.
Once the frosting is the consistency of warm honey (runny, but not runny like water), use a spoon to fill the outlined cookies with the warm frosting.
Gently tap the cookie to smooth the surface of the frosting. If needed, use a toothpick to drag frosting to corners or small crevices of the outline.
Decorate while the frosting is still wet. Let rest for an hour to allow the frosting enough time to firm up.
Once the frosting has returned to its original room temperature consistency, you can pipe more details on the cookie!

Notes

Reheat the frosting as needed in 5 second increments to keep it at the consistency you want.

FAQ

How long do you let sugar cookies cool before icing them?

Cookies should be COMPLETELY 100% cool before icing them. Once the center of the cookie is no longer warm, you can start decorating.

How do you frost cookies without a piping bag?

I always like to have piping bags on hand, so Ihighly recommend buying a big box of them (it’s not expensive). You’ll find that you can use them for all sorts of things besides decorating cookies.

But if you need a substitute in a pinch, a sturdy gallon-size zip top bag will do the trick.

Another great decorating method that doesn’t require a piping bag is to simplydip the cookies in the melted frosting! It’s simple, but it’s pretty.

Can you freeze sugar cookies with frosting on them?

Yep! Wrap each individual cookie in wax paper, and then wrap each cookie in plastic wrap. Stack the cookies in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

Can I use other frostings?

Yes! You can use any canned frosting, or even make your own (but that’s for another time). You can also buy colored versions of most frostings, which will give you a range of colors to work with.

How should I prepare my frosting?

The consistency will vary depending on which brand of canned frosting you use. Some are thicker, some are thinner (but not runny). You’ll need to experiment with your can before decorating to see how it behaves.

If the frosting is too stiff at room temperature, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it up.

If you have trouble piping with your frosting, you can also thin it out a bit by adding a teaspoon or two of heavy cream. Or, try spraying a mist of water from a spray bottle onto the surface of your cookies before decorating.

What kind of icing goes on sugar cookies?

White canned frosting works well. It is usually readily available in the baking section of grocery stores, very inexpensive, and easy to find in assorted colors. Great for kids! 🙂

For more advanced techniques, you can use store-bought white or colored frosting made specifically for decorating sugar cookies (like Wilton’s). You can also use canned frosting from the grocery store, as long as it is made specifically for decorating sugar cookies.