Cinnamon Roll Icing is the sweet, creamy topping that makes warm cinnamon rolls even better. Butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese, and a splash of milk or half-and-half beat together into a smooth icing that spreads perfectly over fresh rolls.
We love this recipe because it’s quick, simple, and gives homemade or store-bought cinnamon rolls that classic bakery-style finish. Spread it on while the rolls are warm so it melts slightly into all those cinnamon swirls. We’ve made this recipe for years, and it’s no-fail and always takes our rolls over the top!
This cinnamon roll icing recipe is a necessity on freshly baked cinnamon rolls, but could also be used on Donut Muffins, a Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake, or Banana Bars!
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Few ingredients. Just 4 simple ingredients will turn into icing heaven! This is the easiest icing recipe ever.
- Fast! Quick to make and easy to adjust with milk or half-and-half.
- Softened ingredients mix smoothly. Soft butter and cream cheese beat together easily for a creamy icing.
- Milk adjusts the consistency. A little milk or half-and-half helps make the icing spreadable.
Cinnamon Roll Icing Ingredients
- Butter, softened (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps the icing glide over warm rolls.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and creates a smooth, velvety finish.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): Brings creamy body and a gentle tang that balances sweetness.
- Milk or half and half (to consistency): Thins the icing to your preferred spreadable or drizzling texture. Use whole milk or half n half for the creamiest icing, but lower fat milk can also be used. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed.
- optional flavoring – Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract, a little cinnamon, or Pumpkin Pie Spice.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Icing
MIX. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, add ¼ cup butter, 4 ounces cream cheese, and 3 cups powdered sugar, to a medium mixing bowl and beat until smooth. For thinner icing add more milk, for thicker icing add powdered sugar.
- Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.
Add a thin layer of icing when the rolls are still hot causing the icing to melt into the nooks and crannies. Once the rolls have cooled, we top them with another layer that will stay in place.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are truly soft for the smoothest icing.
- Start with 2 tablespoons milk, then add a teaspoon at a time until it is just spreadable.
- For glossy swoops, ice rolls while they are warm, not hot, so it melts slightly but does not run off.
- To make a thicker frosting, reduce the milk and beat a minute longer to aerate.
Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- milk or half and half: enough to make it a spreadable consistency.
Instructions
- Mix ingredients in a medium bowl and beat until smooth. Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Keep icing covered in the fridge for a couple of weeks until ready to use, or freeze it for 3-4 months. Let it sit on the counter to soften before spreading it over your cinnamon rolls.
Due to the cream cheese, the frosted cinnamon rolls can be kept at room temperature overnight but should be refrigerated for longer storage or frozen for up to 8 weeks.
More Like This
Icing Recipes
Cinnamon Roll Recipes
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
1 hr 25 mins
Mini Cinnamon Rolls
1 hr 30 mins
Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
25 mins
Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls
2 hrs 30 mins
Collections
This recipe was first shared November, 2019.
I have made a couple of your recipes Love them
Grandson 3 yrs so picky and son n law also keep it coming
I love all of youre recipes they are great and simple and they halve little check mark so you can check of the ingredients…great recipes!!!
Oh thank you!! So glad you enjoy the recipes!
Made carrot cake in a bunt pan used your cream cheese frosting! Knocked it out of the park!! Thank for the recipe it was quick easy and fun!!!
You’re welcome! That sounds delicious! So glad you enjoyed the frosting!