This is so easy. I promise. You just have to promise not to check Facebook or your texts for 5 minutes while the butter is browning and you’ll be fine, pinky swear. You’re going to need a stick of butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, some whole milk, and a tablespoon of vanilla.
Place the powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer and set aside. Measure out the milk and vanilla and set aside. Heat the stick of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring very frequently. When the butter melts, stir constantly. The butter will get clear and yellow and then very suddenly become frothy, turn brown, and smell like caramel. When this happens, remove from heat. Add the vanilla…
and the milk…
to the powdered sugar. Add the browned butter
and mix with an electric or stand mixer until combined.
The frosting will probably feel very wet and heavy at first–if you’re frosting a sheet cake or cinnamon rolls, now is a great time to add the frosting.
Otherwise, allow the frosting to cool (and it will become thicker and will hold its shape.) Serve as desired.
