A fluffy cinnamon roll needs its perfect topping! This Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe has the best texture and the perfect amount of sweetness.
This Cinnamon Roll Icing recipe is a necessity on freshly baked Cinnamon Rolls, but could also be used on Donut Muffins, a Sweet Breakfast Casserole, or Banana Bars! It’s very versatile.
Icing for cinnamon rolls
To eat a Cinnamon Roll without a thick layer of cream cheese icing on top should be illegal. Icing completes the cinnamon roll and makes it finger-lickin’ good.
I love to smooth the icing on top of my fresh-out-of-the-oven Famous Cinnamon Rolls or Nutella Rolls. Making sure it seeps into every nook and cranny is the best part!
No part of the cinnamon roll should go untouched by icing (just my personal opinion but I think you’ll agree with me.)
This Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe is the easiest icing recipe ever. Just 4 simple ingredients and a few minutes will turn into icing heaven! A little butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk (or half n half) are all you need.
how to make cinnamon roll Icing
Room temperature ingredients. Begin by gathering together your ingredients. Make sure the butter and cream cheese are both softened, not melted, and not still cold from the fridge. Leave on the counter for at least 45 minutes before making the icing.
MIX. In a medium mixing bowl, Mix together ingredients and beat until smooth. Do this with a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer. Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.
our favorite cinnamon roll recipes:
This Icing for Cinnamon Rolls is thicker than a glaze, but not as thick as frosting. It is the perfect addition to Homemade Cinnamon Rolls or to top quick bread or muffins. Some of my favorite cinnamon roll recipes include:
Recipe Tips
Flavor variations.
- Add a little cinnamon to the icing for an extra pop of spice.
- Make these during the fall and add a little Pumpkin Pie Spice. It adds the cinnamon but also the flavors of fall we love so much.
- Leave out the cream cheese. Just add in more butter and a little vanilla extract. Mix until you get the right consistency before spreading.
Texture. Use the confectioners’ sugar or milk to adjust the thickness of this icing. Thin the icing with a little bit of milk or half n half. Thicken the mixture using powdered sugar.
When to frost. When to add Cinnamon Roll Icing to your rolls is a personal preference. I 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, top them with a layer that will stay in place.
Storing Info
STORE the icing. To make it ahead of time, keep it covered in the refrigerator 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.
STORE 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. FREEZE frosted Cinnamon Rolls for up to 8 weeks.
For more frosting recipes:
- Marshmallow Frosting
- Berry Buttercream Frosting
- Chocolate Chip Frosting
- Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- Strawberry Frosting
- Sugar Cookie Frosting
Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- milk or half and half: enough to make it a spreadable consistency.
Instructions
- Mix together in a medium bowl and beat until smooth. Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.
No vanilla??
No vanilla 🙂
This is seriously the best cinnamon roll icing!! It was very easy to make & makes the cinnamon rolls to die for!
Holy cow this is AMAZING! My kids went crazy for this icing!
I could just eat this by the spoonful, haha! Thanks for such an easy recipe to follow with only a few ingredients.
This is perfect for my daughter! She love cinnamon rolls and she’ll definitely love this recipe for them! Can’t wait to show him!
Icing…..the most favorite part of any dessert!
Thanks for sharing. It would also be great to drizzle on your cinnamon bread.
Very detailed in making your recipes easy to make . Love it! Thankyou.
This is a fantastic recipe! Made my cinnamon buns taste better than bakery versions. Thank you so much for sharing!
Officially my new go to recipe for icing. My wife made cinnamon rolls last night and drizzled some icing that disappeared the following day. I asked if she was going to put icing on the rolls. She told me she already did. Confused and disappointed, I searched for a recipe myself and yours seemed the easiest. Not only was I thrilled but I impressed the wifey too! Win win all around. Thank you for sharing and God bless.
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!