Step 1

Add the butter and the vanilla to a mixing bowl. The butter needs to be what we call “slightly softened” which is somewhere between straight out of the refrigerator and room temperature.

Step 2

Mix the butter and the vanilla together on medium speed until thoroughly combined (about 2 minutes.)  You really want the vanilla to meld with the butter to enhance the flavor of the frosting.

Step 3

Use a spatula to scrape the butter mixture down from the sides of the bowl, add the cinnamon and mix until combined.

Step 4

Use a food scale to measure 1 Pound of Powdered Sugar.  If you don’t have a food scale, measure 4 cups instead.

Step 5

Add the powdered sugar to the butter/cinnamon mixture in the mixing bowl.

Step 6

Start your mixer (or electric beater) on the lowest setting and keep it on low until the butter and sugar are incorporated (about 30 seconds). Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl and then increase the speed to medium-high and mix for another 30-45 seconds so the frosting gets light and fluffy.

Step 7

Taste your frosting. You are trying to determine if the consistency is correct or if it needs a little more vanilla extract or cinnamon. If it tastes great, test the consistency.  Too thick? Add a teaspoon of milk and mix again to check to see if the consistency is better.  The amount of milk to use depends on the state of your frosting and sometimes the time of year (if it is a hot humid day, you might not need to add any milk.) A good rule of thumb is to add the milk a teaspoon at a time.