Instructions

1. Add the softened Cream Cheese, the slightly softened butter, and the Vanilla Extract to a mixing bowl. The butter should be “slightly softened” which means it is still cold but has warmed up enough so you can press your thumb down into the stick of butter.
2. Mix the three ingredients together on medium speed until they are fully incorporated (about 2 minutes.)
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula before moving on to the next step.
4. Measure 1 Pound of Powdered Sugar into a separate bowl. (If you don't have a food scale the equivalent would be 4 cups.)
5. Add the Cocoa Powder to the bowl with the Powdered Sugar.
6. Use a fork to whisk the Cocoa Powder and Powdered Sugar.
7. Pour the Cocoa Powder/Powdered Sugar mixture into the mixing bowl with the cream cheese/butter/vanilla mixture.
8. Start your mixer (or electric beater) on the lowest setting and keep it on low until the cream cheese/butter and sugar start to come together (about 30 seconds).
9. 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 begins to get light and fluffy.
10. Taste your frosting to see if it needs more vanilla and if it is the correct consistency.