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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!
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.
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!