Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe

This cinnamon roll icing recipe is not only simple, but it’s also the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The cream cheese gives it a little zip, while the butter and powdered sugar create that smooth, decadent texture you expect from the best cinnamon roll frosting. Plus, you can easily adjust it to your personal preference—whether you like it thicker or a bit more glaze-like. It’s also incredibly versatile! Use it on pound cake, fruit dip, or even coffee cakes. And because it uses basic pantry items, you won’t have to make a special trip to the store. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one handy for all your special occasions.

Ingredients Needed For Cinnamon Roll Icing

Made with just a handful of staple pantry ingredients! Here’s everything you’ll need, plus a stand mixer or hand mixer will be helpful.

Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature for a smooth texture.
Unsalted Butter: at room temperature to mix evenly.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich, warm flavor to the icing.
Corn Syrup: Helps with smoothness and shine.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten up the flavors.
Powdered Sugar: aka confectioner’s sugar, sweetens and thickens the icing.

Variations

Swap Butter: Use melted butter instead of softened for a slightly thinner glaze.
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut milk or almond milk.
Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of salt or a dash of almond extract for a flavor boost.
Maple Icing: Substitute vanilla extract with maple syrup for a fall twist.

How To Make Cinnamon Roll Icing

Whether you’re planning to make homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch or need a quick fix for your favorite store-bought rolls, this cinnamon roll icing is going to take them to the next level. This decadent icing is whipped together in minutes! For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Whip Cream Cheese + Butter

In a small bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

A blue bowl containing several cubes of butter and a dollop of cream cheese sits on a countertop. Nearby are a lemon, a small bowl with a dark liquid, and a dish with a white substance.

A mixing bowl filled with a yellow dough-like mixture surrounded by vanilla beans, a small bowl with dark liquid, powdered sugar, a lemon, and a hand mixer on a countertop.

2. Add Remaining Ingredients (except powdered sugar)

Stir in vanilla extract, corn syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix well and scrape down the sides of the bowl.

A mixing bowl with creamed butter and vanilla extract, surrounded by ingredients including vanilla beans, a bowl of dark liquid, powdered sugar, lemon, and a glass dish with a golden spoon.

A mixing bowl with a yellow batter, surrounded by a lemon wedge, a gold spoon on a small bowl, a pink bowl with a dark liquid, and a dish with white powder.

3. Add in Powdered Sugar

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing slowly at first to avoid a mess. Once combined, whip on high for about 5 minutes until the icing lightens in color. Give the sides of the bowl a final scrape, mix again briefly, and you’re ready to use!

A mixing bowl with yellow batter and white powder sits on a surface surrounded by a lemon, a glass with a honey dipper, and a small bowl of vanilla extract.

A bowl filled with smooth, creamy batter on a light-colored surface with a few kitchen utensils blurred in the background.

Storage + Make Ahead Directions

Leftover frosting should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it if you have any leftover cinnamon rolls!

To Freeze: store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge and whip it again before using.

To Make Ahead: This icing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature and give it a good stir before using.

More Frosting Recipes to Try!

Chocolate Frosting – my most popular recipe ever!
Best Royal Icing
Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Brown Butter Frosting
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Whipped Chocolate Ganache Frosting

With this easy cinnamon roll icing recipe in your back pocket, you’ll always have the perfect topping for warm rolls, cakes, and more. Enjoy! The printable recipe card is below. Have a great day, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

A bowl of creamy frosting next to a baking dish with uncooked cinnamon rolls, a spatula with frosting, a small bowl of honey, and a small bowl with a splash of vanilla extract on a gray surface.

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