softened butter • brick of cream cheese • avocado oil (optional but creates a fluffy texture) • vanilla extract (or flavor extract of your choice) • salt • powdered sugar
plus 3 Tablespoons (500 grams) unsalted butter, softened • powdered sugar (plus up to 1 cup more!) • boiling water • flavor extract (I used vanilla) • salt • Gel food coloring (optional)
+ 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar • water (to start, then more. See below) • vanilla • cream of tartar • meringue powder • Hand mixer (or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment) • Black gel food coloring • piping tips: a #2 and a #1 • piping bags • Cookie sheet lined with parchment paper