What is an easy frosting recipe?

A basic frosting for cakes, cookies and dessert bars consists of confectioners sugar, a liquid such as milk or water, and additives. A variety of frosting exists based on these additives: Adding butter, vanilla extract, salt, cocoa or melted chocolate, peppermint, lemon or sour cream creates a distinct dessert topping.

The proportion of ingredients determines the texture of the frosting, which is also known as icing in many parts of the world. An increase in liquid content creates a glaze-like frosting that is drizzled over a dessert, while a higher amount of solid ingredients thickens the icing, which is spread onto a confection. Many recipes agree that beating a frosting to the desired consistency is the key to achieving ideal texture.