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!
This homemade Icing for Cinnamon Rolls is the best
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!
Why you’ll love Cinnamon Roll Icing without cream cheese
Cinnamon roll icing without cream cheese offers a delightful alternative for those who prefer a lighter and smoother topping. Unlike traditional cream cheese-based icings, this version boasts a velvety texture and a balanced sweetness that perfectly complements the warm, cinnamon-spiced rolls. The absence of cream cheese allows other flavors like vanilla to shine through, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance the natural cinnamon and pastry taste.
Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe Ingredients
- 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 to store Cinnamon Roll Frosting
You’ll want to store any leftover cinnamon roll frosting in an air tight container. You can store it on the counter for up to 2 days, in the fridge for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Allow the frosting to come to room temperature and then whip it again before using the remaining frosting.
Should you refrigerate cinnamon rolls?
No, I don’t typically refrigerate my cinnamon rolls. They either go in my belly or into the freezer. They will stay fresh at room temp for about 24 hours.
Frosting for Cinnamon Rolls FAQs
If stored correctly in an airtight container in the fridge, you can expect this frosting to last up to 2 weeks.
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.
Letting the cinnamon rolls cool for about 5 minutes is what I like to do. I like my icing to melt and get into all of the crevices, but if you prefer yours to stay thicker and sit on top of the roll, I’d wait 10-15 minutes before icing.
Always ice your cinnamon rolls after baking.
Heating up the icing for cinnamon rolls is not necessary, as it is meant to be spread as is on warm cinnamon rolls. The icing will warm from the cinnamon rolls to make it easy for spreading. If the icing has been refrigerated and thickened, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before using it.
Yes, it’s essential to allow cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before applying the icing. If you apply the icing immediately after taking the rolls out of the oven, it may melt excessively and lose its desired texture. Let the cinnamon rolls cool for about 5 to 10 minutes on a wire rack before generously drizzling or spreading the icing on top.
Yes, it’s essential to allow cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before applying the icing. If you apply the icing immediately after taking the rolls out of the oven, it may melt excessively and lose its desired texture. Let the cinnamon rolls cool for about 5 to 10 minutes on a wire rack before generously drizzling or spreading the icing on top.
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How to use this Cinnamon Roll Frosting Recipe
Should iced cinnamon rolls be hot or cold?
When served, iced cinnamon rolls are typically best enjoyed while still warm. The contrast between the warm, soft cinnamon roll and the cool, sweet icing creates a delightful experience for your taste buds. The icing will slightly melt and drizzle over the rolls, enhancing the overall indulgence. However, you can also enjoy iced cinnamon rolls at room temperature if you prefer a more balanced eating experience.
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Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe
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.
Sarah says
The best icing I’ve had! I made it for my cinnamon rolls tomorrow, and I added a few shakes of cinnamon to it. Very delicious!
Karli Bitner says
Great idea with the cinnamon Sarah, I’m glad it worked out.
Nicole Gemmola says
What kind of butter.
Dan Bitner says
Thanks for the question Nicole. I used salted butter. Happy Baking!
Salma says
Turned out amazing, i put it on my cinnamon rolls since i wasn’t fancy enough to use cheese , but i would even sit down and just eat it alone because it was that delicious! (note: don’t do that unless you want diabetes loll, but it was amazinggg)
shreya says
isn’t 3 cups of powdered sugar a bit too much? I’m making cinnamon rolls for the first time and I’m a little skeptical
Karli Bitner says
Hi Shreya- I make this icing all the time and 3 cups of powdered sugar to the 1 stick of butter is what I always do. 🙂
Karli Bitner says
haha Just laughed out loud! Best comment ever! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe as much as I do. ❤️
Bill Wrobel says
Is it one stick or 1/2 stick (4 ounces) as in the recipe or 1 whole stick (8 ounces)? Curious.
Karli Bitner says
1/2 cup of butter is the same as one 4 oz stick of butter.
Eberly says
I think three cups is a bit too sweet and completely overwhelmed the sugar in the cinnamon rolls I made, so the second time I made this frosting, I only used two cups and it was much better, I also added cinnamon. Great recipe accept for the amount of sugar.👍🏽🙂
Karli Bitner says
I am glad that you adjusted the recipe too your liking. 🙂
Deborah Shaffer says
love your vanilla buttercream icing recipe, thanks for sharing
Marea says
Where should I preserve the cinnamon rolls after I put the icing over them?
Karli Bitner says
You can store your cinnamon rolls at room temperature in an air tight container.
Karli Bitner says
Thanks for the comment!! 🙂
Jason says
Thank you for sharing! Very easy and fast recipe. Big hit at family breakst
Petra says
Made this morning for a easy Christmas Breakfast. I cut the recipe for the glaze way down as my rolls were small and I would have been wasteful to make all that icing. Enjoyed.
Merry Christmas.
Cooking with Karli says
I’m glad that you enjoyed it Petra. I hope you had a Merry Christmas!
Kay Hammond says
You have great taste!!