Cinnamon Roll Icing is what makes or breaks your Cinnamon Roll. This vanilla buttercream Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe is the best you’ll ever have!
Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe without Cream Cheese
Homemade cinnamon rolls can be an incredible dessert, breakfast, or snack, but beyond that, cinnamon filled center and fluffy breading is a cinnamon roll icing that holds it all together. There are many different options for topping a cinnamon roll, but a buttercream frosting or powdered sugar glaze are two of the more common preferences.
I think we can all agree that the cinnamon roll icing is what holds a good roll together. A plain cinnamon roll may be ooey-gooey and delicious, but without the frosting on top, it would seem like something is missing. With this recipe only needing 4 simple ingredients, there’s no excuse for a naked cinnamon roll.
This cinnamon roll icing is incredibly easy to make and super delicious to eat! You may even find that you enjoy it so much that you branch off from the traditional cinnamon roll use and find new ways to enjoy this cinnamon roll frosting! For example, using it as a dip for monkey bread bites, or as a homemade donut glaze!
Ingredients in Cinnamon Roll Frosting
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
Exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card below. This recipe is perfect for doubling or even tripling!
How to make Cinnamon Roll Icing
In a large bowl, cream your butter until it’s smooth.
Add in the powdered sugar and liquid, alternating. 1 cup of powdered sugar and then some liquid, going back and forth. This helps achieve the perfect consistency.
Generously pour the icing over fresh warm cinnamon rolls. I like to allow my cinnamon rolls to cool for 5 minutes or so before icing them, that way the icing stays on top and doesn’t just melt down the sides.
How long will the icing last?
If stored correctly in an airtight container in the fridge, you can expect this frosting to last up to 2 weeks.
Can you make this icing without milk?
If you don’t have any milk handy, you can substitute for water. You could even use liquid coffee creamer, half and half, or another similar liquid, although anything flavored will undoubtedly change the flavor of this icing.
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Pair your Cinnamon Roll Icing with:
Cinnamon Roll Icing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Cream the butter until smooth.
- Add in the powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with a liquid. (1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla, 1 cup powdered sugar, milk, 1 cup powdered sugar)
- Ice warm cinnamon rolls generously.
- Will keep in the fridge for 2 weeks.
Cathryn Choate says
Can this be made in larger quantities and frozen for later use?
Stacg says
What is the best way to store the pre-made icing until the following day? Room temp? Fridge? Plastic wrap right across top of container? Or plastic wrap pushed against it to keep it as moist as possible? (I’m a beginner!) So far I have just placed it on my counter in a glass storage container with the lid snapped on top. But I imagine it won’t last too long unless I refrigerate it? Thanks for the recipe!
Karli Bitner says
Sure! Just double or triple whatever you’d like. You can store it in the fridge for a few weeks or freeze it for a few months! Just pull it out when your cinnamon rolls are baking to bring it to room temperature.
Karli Bitner says
Hi there! Any of those will work great! If it is just for a few days, the counter is fine in an air tight container. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few weeks!
Rynn GirlDad Young says
Same here! Great recipe
Debbie says
I love it, but I had to use more then 1&1/2 tb of milk but as I did it turned out wonderful,maybe too much sugar,but either way my first time making any kinda frosting lol so proud of my self thank you so much.
Julie Freeman says
Should the butter be cold or softened before using?
Thanks!
Julie Freeman says
Should the butter be room temp before starting?
thanks!
makayla says
i tried this chef’s kiss💋
Cooking with Karli says
Softened butter
Cooking with Karli says
Yes, or softened
Katie says
Love this recipe. I make it with dairy free butter/ milk and turns out wonderful!