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The Best Homemade Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe

  • Author: Ava Garrison
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8–12 cinnamon rolls

Description

This homemade cinnamon roll icing is rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth — the perfect topping for warm, gooey cinnamon rolls. With a blend of cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar, it adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang, turning everyday rolls into something truly bakery-worthy. Easy to make and versatile, this icing can also elevate pancakes, muffins, and sweet breads.


Ingredients

  • 4 oz (1/2 block) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted for best results)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Let the cream cheese and butter soften at room temperature for 30–45 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with a hand mixer until creamy and smooth (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
  4. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low to avoid clumps.
  5. Add milk or cream 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness or add a pinch of salt if needed.
  7. Spread over warm cinnamon rolls for best results.