Easy Cinnamon Roll Icing (without cream cheese!)

Name: Cinnamon Roll Icing (without cream cheese!)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (i.e. ½ stick); 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2-4 tablespoons milk (add 1 tablespoon at a time until it's the consistency you want); Pinch of salt

This cinnamon roll icing is perfect for anyone who's not a fan of cream cheese frosting. You'll love the drizzly consistency and cozy vanilla flavor! Pair it with my delicious Quick 1 Hour Cinnamon Rolls.

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Tips & Ingredient Notes

This is just an overview, click here to jump down to the full recipe card for the recipe amounts and condensed recipe instructions.

Unsalted Butter: You'll need to use unsalted butter for this recipe. Let it soften on the countertop a bit before you start the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners' sugar!
Vanilla extract: Real vanilla extract tastes best, but imitation works too.
Milk: Just a splash to get the right consistency.
Salt: The secret ingredient to balance all the sweetness.
Cinnamon rolls: Of course, you'll also need cinnamon rolls for pairing with this cinnamon roll icing! Use my Quick 1 Hour Cinnamon Rolls or your own favorite recipe.

PS. If you like cream cheese, my cream cheese frosting for cinnamon rolls is even tastier than this quick glaze!

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Icing Without Cream Cheese:

Print this recipe! Click here to jump down to full recipe card for the condensed, printable recipe.

Let ¼ cup of butter sit at room temperature until it softens (or just pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until slightly softened).
Place the butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and a ⅛ teaspoon of salt in a medium mixing bowl.
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, about 30 to 60 seconds.
Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk, beating in a tablespoon at a time until the cinnamon roll icing reaches your desired consistency.
Drizzle the icing onto semi-cooled cinnamon rolls, or use it however you like!

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Here are some variations to try:

Make it without milk. You can make cinnamon roll icing with water, but it just won't be quite as creamy. You can also make cinnamon roll icing without milk by using non-dairy milk like oat or almond.
Make it without butter. For cinnamon roll icing without butter, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Note that it will be thinner and more translucent on the rolls.
Make it with cream cheese. Looking for a traditional cream cheese cinnamon roll icing recipe? You can click over to my easy cream cheese frosting for cinnamon rolls to find out how to make cinnamon roll icing with cream cheese. For a thinner cinnamon roll icing with cream cheese, add milk to the recipe.
Make less. If you want a light glaze for cinnamon rolls, make half of the recipe below.

Storing: Store this icing in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before you use it, then stir. You may need to add a bit of milk to reactivate it.
Freezing: You can freeze cinnamon roll icing for 2 to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are some alternative toppings for cinnamon rolls?

Powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or caramel sauce are all delicious toppings for cinnamon rolls if you don't want to use frosting.

How long should you wait before icing cinnamon rolls?

Your cinnamon rolls should still be warm when you drizzle them with this simple cinnamon roll icing, but you should let them cool for at least 10-15 minutes to keep it from melting completely.

Do you put icing on cinnamon rolls before baking?

No. Cinnamon rolls are baked first, then the icing is added.

4.97 from 149 votes

Cinnamon Roll Icing (without cream cheese!)

Makes: 16

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Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Whether you don't like cream cheese or don't have it on hand, you'll love this easy cinnamon roll icing made without cream cheese! It's perfect for drizzling over freshly baked cinnamon rolls and takes less than 5 minutes to make! Makes enough to glaze a 9x13 pan of cinnamon rolls.

Recipe by Melissa Rose

Ingredients

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened , i.e. ½ stick
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons milk, add 1 tablespoon at a time until it's the consistency you want
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Add softened ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened , 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and a Pinch of salt to a medium-sized bowl.
Use a hand or stand mixer to mix until combined (about 30-60 seconds). Add milk one tablespoon at a time (2-4 tablespoons milk total) until it's the consistency you desire.
Pour over slightly cooled cinnamon rolls and enjoy!

Notes from Melissa

Nutrition is auto-calculated and for frosting recipe only; based on 16 servings.

Nutrition

Calories: 86kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 5mg, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 92IU, Calcium: 3mg, Iron: 0.01mg

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Cinnamon Roll Icing