Place the unsalted butter into a mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer, beat the butter on high speed until smooth for 5 minutes.

Add the confectioner’s sugar to the butter a third at a time, mixing on low speed.

Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat on low speed until all of the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Increase the mixing speed to high and beat the buttercream for 5 to 10 minutes or until the buttercream is smooth and white in color.

Use the buttercream to decorate cakes and fill pastries and cookies.