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.
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!
L says
Unless I missed it, there is no serving amount in the nutrition label. Will you please say how much makes up a serving? It’s important for those of us on dietary restrictions.Thank so much!