The Perfect Cinnamon Roll Icing

This crowd-pleasing cinnamon roll icing is sweet, smooth, and perfectly spreadable. 

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Icing

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Cinnamon Roll Icing Ingredients

These are the kitchen staple ingredients you’ll need to make this easy cinnamon roll icing recipe at home: 

• Butter and cream cheese: This decadent cinnamon roll icing starts with butter and cream cheese beaten together. 
• Milk: Two tablespoons of milk help thin the cinnamon roll icing, creating the perfect spreadable texture. 
• Vanilla: Vanilla extract takes the irresistible flavor up a notch. 
• Confectioners’ sugar: Make sure you use confectioners’ (a.k.a. powdered) sugar instead of granulated sugar for the best consistency.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor, but it won’t make the sweet icing taste salty. 

How to Make Icing for Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade cream cheese cinnamon roll icing: Beat the butter and sugar together until creamy, blend in the milk and vanilla, then mix in the confectioners' sugar and salt until fluffy. 

Tip from Cara McGuire: If your cream cheese and butter are cold, the mixture won't cream well. Microwave each separately for about 10 seconds so they will be soft enough to work with.

How to Ice Cinnamon Rolls

Frost the cinnamon rolls with about ¼ of the icing when they are still warm. When they’re cooled, top with remaining icing. The bottom layer will not only melt into the pastry, it will serve as a sort of protective barrier that will keep the cinnamon rolls fresher for longer. 

Try this recipe with our top-rated 90-Minute Cinnamon Rolls. 

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Icing

Store any leftover cinnamon roll icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about one week. Since the icing has a cream cheese base, iced cinnamon rolls should also be stored in the refrigerator instead of at room temperature.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise 

“I have made this recipe for a couple of years now,” says thart. “It is perfect. A half recipe for a 9x13-inch inch pan of rolls is plenty of icing for my family. Leftover icing stores well in the fridge.”

“Wonderful recipe,” raves Sandyz. “I have used this on cinnamon buns and apple honey cake — works great for both! It’s fast, easy and tastes great!”

“Great recipe,” according to Leslie Hoffman. “I used a food processor as I did not have my mixer on hand and it came out smooth and sweet.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams