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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!

Cinnamon roll icing recipe on top of cinnamon rolls.
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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.

Cinnamon Roll icing in a white bowl.

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. 
Unfrosted, unbaked cinnamon rolls in baking dish.

how to make cinnamon roll Icing

  1. 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.
Frosted Cinnamon roll on plate.

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.
Frosted cinnamon rolls on white plates.

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. 
Cinnamon roll icing spread over cinnamon rolls.

For more sweet roll recipes to try it with, check out:

5 from 60 votes

Cinnamon Roll Icing

By: Lil’ Luna
With only 4 ingredients, this cinnamon roll icing has the best texture and perfect amount of sweetness for the ideal cinnamon roll topping!
Servings: 12
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

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

Texture. For thinner icing add more milk, for thicker icing add powdered sugar.
Store the icing. Keep it 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.
Store frosted 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 183kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 21mg, Sodium: 65mg, Potassium: 13mg, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 245IU, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 from 60 votes (48 ratings without comment)

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16 Comments

  1. Donna says:

    I have made a couple of your recipes Love them
    Grandson 3 yrs so picky and son n law also keep it coming

  2. Soleil mondragon says:

    5 stars
    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!!!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Oh thank you!! So glad you enjoy the recipes!

  3. Vickie Mazerat says:

    5 stars
    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!!!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You’re welcome! That sounds delicious! So glad you enjoyed the frosting!