Quick and Almost-Professional Buttercream Icing

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted

2 tablespoons milk

3 drops food coloring, or as needed

Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners sugar until fully incorporated. Beat in vanilla extract.

Pour in milk and beat for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Add food coloring, if using, and beat for thirty seconds until smooth or until desired color is reached.