There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. And when it comes to the cinnamon roll icing, there are two schools of thought: with or without cream cheese.
If you’re in the camp of cinnamon roll traditionalists, a cream cheese icing is the way to go. This rich and tangy frosting pairs perfectly with the warm and spicy flavors of the cinnamon rolls.
For those who like their icing on the sweeter side, a thicker buttercream to spread or thin glaze to drizzle are delicious options.
Whatever your preference, we’ve got you covered with these delicious cinnamon roll icing recipes – with and without cream cheese!
Cinnamon Roll Icing With Cream Cheese
When it comes to cinnamon rolls, the icing is just as important as the dough. A good cream cheese icing should be thick and rich, with just the right amount of sweetness. Here are three recipes for cream cheese icing that will take your cinnamon rolls to the next level.
1. Classic Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing For Cinnamon Rolls
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in heavy cream and vanilla.
- Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is fluffy.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe.
2. Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
This simple recipe adds a twist to classic cream cheese frosting with a touch of sweetness from maple syrup.
Recipe Highlights
– Made with cream cheese and butter
– Made without powdered sugar or other refined sugars
– Made without milk
– Flavored with vanilla and maple syrup
3. Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
This cream cheese icing gets its flavor and pretty pink color from fresh strawberries.
Recipe Highlights
– Uses fresh strawberries, with options to use frozen berries, curd or jam
– Made with cream cheese and butter
– Sweetened with sugar and powdered sugar
– Made without milk
4. Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Tart lemon flavor pairs perfectly with tangy cream cheese in this delicious cinnamon roll frosting.
Recipe Highlights
– Uses lemon juice and lemon zest for extra flavor
– Made with cream cheese and butter
– Sweetened with powdered sugar
– Made without milk
5. Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Chocolate cream cheese frosting is a unique and delicious way to top cinnamon rolls. Chocolate and cinnamon flavors work exceptionally well together in desserts as well as drinks like Mexican hot chocolate.
Recipe Highlights
– Made with cream cheese and butter
– Uses unsweetened cocoa powder
– Sweetened with powdered sugar
– Made without milk
6. Gingerbread Cream Cheese Frosting
Nothing beats warm cinnamon rolls around the holidays, especially if they are topped with gingerbread icing!
Recipe Highlights
– Made with cream cheese and butter
– Gingerbread flavors from cinnamon, nutmeg and molasses
– Sweetened with powdered sugar and brown sugar
– Made without milk
7. Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
Believe it or not, you can make delicious cream cheese frosting that is dairy-free, tofu-free, nut-free and gluten-free.
Recipe Highlights
– Made with vegan cream cheese (firm, store-bought coconut oil-based cream cheese is recommended)
– Uses vegan butter sticks (not tubs)
– Sweetened with vegan powdered sugar
– Made without milk
– Must be chilled for at least 1 hour
You may also like: 8 Ways To Make Frosting Without Butter (With Recipes)
Cinnamon Roll Icing Without Cream Cheese
You’re in the right spot if you’re looking for a cinnamon roll frosting recipe without cream cheese. We’ve included plenty of options – everything from light glazes and thick frostings to flavored icings.
8. Classic Cinnamon Roll Glaze (Without Cream Cheese)
This cinnamon roll icing has a thin consistency that is perfect for drizzling over cinnamon rolls.
Recipe Highlights
– Calls for unsalted butter, but uses a pinch of added salt
– No cream cheese
– Contains milk
– Sweetened with powdered sugar and vanilla
9. Classic Cinnamon Roll Frosting (Without Cream Cheese)
This quick and easy cinnamon roll frosting has a thick consistency that is ideal for spreading a generous layer on top of cinnamon rolls.
Recipe Highlights
– 4 simple ingredients: butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk
– Contains no cream cheese
– Options to create flavored icings with cocoa powder or extracts like lemon, orange, almond and coconut
10. Brown Butter Glaze
If you’ve never tried browned butter, you’re in for a treat. Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that is out of this world and tastes amazing with baked goods like cinnamon rolls.
Recipe Highlights
– 4 simple ingredients: butter, powdered sugar, water and a pinch of salt
– Vanilla extract or maple syrup are optional
– Contains no cream cheese or milk
There you have it, ten delicious and easy recipes for cinnamon roll icing, with and without cream cheese.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cream cheese icing or something a little lighter, any of these recipes will take your cinnamon rolls to the next level of deliciousness.
Get out your mixing bowl and spatula and get to work on making the perfect frosting for your cinnamon rolls!
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Classic Cinnamon Roll Icing With Cream Cheese
This easy Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe is only 5 ingredients and can be made in just 5 minutes! It's smooth, creamy, and perfect for topping off your homemade cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in heavy cream and vanilla.
- Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is fluffy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 231Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 121mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 0gSugar: 23gProtein: 2g