This is a basic frosting good for cupcakes and decorated cookies. This makes enough frosting for one 9-inch cake or 24 cupcakes.

　　

Ingredients

makes about 2 cups

　　12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

　　1 1/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

　　1 teaspoon vanilla extract

　　1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

　　

Step 1

Beat until light and fluffy: 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened.

　　

Step 2

Beat in: 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted.

　　

Step 3

Continue beating until light and fluffy. Add: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice.

　　

Step 4

Beat until smooth.

　　

Variation

Step 5

Flavor the frosting with 2 ounces melted, but not warm, bittersweet chocolate, or with 1/2 teaspoon lemon, orange, or tangerine zest.

　　The Art of Simple Food