Magnolia's Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

This is one of the two frostings (the other one is a Chocolate Frosting) Vance made for mum's birthday cupcakes. It is the same buttercream frosting used by the famous Magnolia Bakery here in New York City. This recipe produce enough frosting for 2 dozen cupcakes.

(Magnolia's Vanilla Buttercream Frosting and Chocolate Frosting)

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
8 cups confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
food coloring (optional)

In a large mixing bowl, add butter, milk, vanilla extract and 4 cups of confectioners' sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time and beat for about 2 minutes every time you add sugar into the mixture. Beat until the icing is thick enough with a good spreading consistency. You might not need all 8 cups of confectioners' sugar. Add a few drops of food coloring if you like. Use and store icing in room temperature, it will set if chilled.