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.

Save this Recipe!
Enter your email below and I'll send this recipe to you.
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:
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.
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.
No. Cinnamon rolls are baked first, then the icing is added.
Cinnamon Roll Icing (without cream cheese!)
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
Before you begin! If you make this, will you do me a huge favor and leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe? This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Instructions
- Add softened unsalted butter (¼ cup, i.e. ½ stick), powdered sugar (2 cups), vanilla extract (2 teaspoons), 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) until it's the consistency you desire.
- Pour over slightly cooled cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe! This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Wanda says
This recipe is by far the easiest and tastiest for cinnamon rolls. Thank you for sharing with us!
Melissa says
I'm so glad you loved this recipe, Wanda! Thanks so much for taking time to leave a review!
Wanda Bercegeay says
This recipe is by far the easiest and tastiest for cinnamon rolls. Thank you for sharing with us!
Tammy says
I always use this recipe. It’s very good.
Melissa says
I'm so glad you like the cinnamon roll frosting, Tammy! Thanks for taking time to leave a review!
Lisa says
I was making homemade cinnamon rolls for my son's bday and he had a cheese allergy, this was perfect for our needs!! Thank you for sharing.
Lisa
Melissa says
I am so glad this icing was perfect for you, Lisa! Thank you for taking time to leave a review!
Heidi says
Was great thx!
Melissa says
Thank you so much for leaving a review, Heidi!
Lina says
Was looking for a quick recipe,I tried it and it's perfect. Thanks
Melissa says
Thank you so much for leaving a review, Lina!
Guin says
My children loved this frosting simple and easy.
Melissa says
Thank you so much for leaving a review, Guin! I really appreciate it!
Stacy says
Yummy recipe. Sometimes I put a little bit of whipping cream in. It just makes for a creamier texture.
Sam says
This recipe for cinnamon rolls is so good! I even did the suggested secret almond extract. I did less of the almond extract. Like maybe 1 and 1/4-1/2tsp of it, fiancé isnt a huge fan of nuts or flavors.. But ssshh!! Also, I am sure most people know this next bit of info. But others might not know, especially new bakers. But please sift the powder sugar & salt into the mixing bowl. Just a fine mesh strainer is good! Then break up the butter into small pads just the tablespoon markers on the stick is fine, onto the sifted sugar and salt. Makes the icing super smooth without clumps. Then extract(s). Whisk until well incorporated and the flavors meld together. Then the milk. And make sure all of the Tbl. Of milk is incorporated and scrape the sides of the bowl down first before adding the next tablespoon of milk. I use Lactose free milk works perfectly! I was able to just add 3 1/2 tbs. For a smooth but some what thick consistency. But it was humid in my home this morning. My family loved this icing recipe (I am not a fan of cream cheese frosting~plus lactose intolerant)! I will now only make this for my cinnamon rolls. And this would be perfect for a Lemon/poppy or lemon/blueberry bunt cake or loaf! Thank you so much for sharing! And thanks to those whom added additions into the reviews! It is really appreciated!
Melissa says
Thank you so much for leaving such a detailed and helpful review, Sam! I really appreciate it and I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Andrea says
Super easy, fast & yummy! I made this not 10 mins ago to spread on some cinnamon rolls I made earlier this afternoon. Usually I make a cream cream frosting spread & leave it on the side for everyone who wants it on theirs. The reason I longer spread it on the rolls is my oldest daughter hates cream cheese & always hated when i would spread the frosting on them. She would get so upset because she would want cinnamon rolls, but never ate them. Today I didn't have cream cheese & needed an easy frosting. That is when I found your recipe. I doubled it, used a little less powered sugar, extra vanilla & only 1 Tbsp of milk. It came out AMAZING! My daughter was so excited to have cinnamon rolls with frosting she could eat. Plus everyone loved it, i definitely will be making it again!
Melissa says
Yay, that makes me so happy to hear! So glad you and the family enjoyed this recipe, Andrea! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it!
Laura says
Very easy to make and very tasty. Although I like the cream cheese frosting, this now has become my favourite as sometimes I feel the cream cheese overpowers the rolls. Glad I came by and found this recipe
Melissa says
I am so happy to hear to enjoy this recipe so much, Laura! Thank you so much for leaving a review!
Amy says
Perfect!
Melissa says
Thank you so much for leaving a review, Amy!
Deb says
Excellent quick and easy recipe. I love the vanilla taste
Melissa says
Thank you so much for leaving a review, Deb!
Venessa Gourd says
This is the only recipe I use for cinnamon roll glaze... I use a little secret ingredient that everyone raves over... I put equal parts almond extract with the vanilla extract and it takes the cinnamon rolls to a whole new level!!! Thanks for the recipe!!!
Melissa says
I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Vanessa! Thank you so much for leaving a review, I really appreciate it!
Parker Scales says
This was so simple and quick! I made this for a cinnamon roll mug cake and it was perfect. I added about a teaspoon of marshmallow fluff to thicken the consistency a bit but this is the perfect base recipe!
Melissa says
So happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe, Parker! Thank you so much for leaving a review!
Ruby Wenzel says
Oh my goodness did I enjoy this easy recipe. I replaced the milk for heavy whipping cream. My new favorite "go to" recipe for any cake.
Melissa says
So happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe, Ruby! Thank you so much for leaving a review!