This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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 Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake, or Banana Bars!
We Love This Icing!
To eat a homemade 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.
While we do have a delicious Cream Cheese Frosting recipe, this cinnamon roll icing is our #1 choice when it comes to sweet rolls.
Here’s what makes this icing our favorite:
- SO easy. This is the easiest icing recipe ever. You literally mix and spread in minutes!
- Ingredients. Just 4 simple ingredients will turn into icing heaven!
- Taste. It’s perfectly sweet with just the right hint of cream cheese flavor. Everything you want in an icing for your rolls!
- Versatile. This would actually be delicious on top of cookies, cakes, pound cakes, and even scones—not just sweet rolls!
I love to smooth the icing on top of my fresh-out-of-the-oven Famous Cinnamon Rolls, Nutella Rolls and our Easy Cinnamon Rolls.
Just 4 Ingredients
- unsalted butter – or use salted butter for an added layer of flavor.
- cream cheese – you will need 1/2 of a block of cream cheese, softened.
- powdered sugar – be sure to sift the confectioners’ sugar to remove any hard lumps.
- milk – 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.
how to make cinnamon roll 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.
Flavor variations
You can always switch up the flavor of this easy cinnamon roll icing by doing any of the following:
- Add a little ground cinnamon to the icing for an extra pop of spice.
- Make rolls during the fall and add a little Pumpkin Pie Spice to the frosting for the taste of fall we love so much.
- Leave out the cream cheese. Just add in more butter and a little almond or vanilla extract. Mix until you get the right consistency before spreading.
Recipe Tips
- Room temperature ingredients. Make sure the butter and cream cheese are both softened, not melted, and not still cold from the fridge.
- 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 to make cinnamon roll glaze. 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 another 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 sweet roll recipes to try it with, check out:
Cinnamon Roll Icing
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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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.
This is a fantastic recipe! Made my cinnamon buns taste better than bakery versions. Thank you so much for sharing!
Very detailed in making your recipes easy to make . Love it! Thankyou.
Thanks for sharing. It would also be great to drizzle on your cinnamon bread.
Icing…..the most favorite part of any dessert!
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!
I could just eat this by the spoonful, haha! Thanks for such an easy recipe to follow with only a few ingredients.
Holy cow this is AMAZING! My kids went crazy for this icing!
This is seriously the best cinnamon roll icing!! It was very easy to make & makes the cinnamon rolls to die for!
No vanilla??
No vanilla 🙂