This Cinnamon Roll Icing Without Cream Cheese is smooth, sweet, and indulgent – the perfect topping for your freshly baked cinnamon rolls. It’s made without cream cheese, yet still delivers that rich, velvety texture and sweetness that everyone loves. The icing will melt slightly when drizzled over warm rolls, soaking in just the right amount of flavor to elevate your breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free alternative)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and melted butter until smooth.
Gradually add in the milk, a little at a time, whisking until the icing reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
Drizzle the icing over freshly baked cinnamon rolls while they are still warm, allowing the icing to melt and soak in.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
If you’d like to change things up a bit, here are a few variations to consider:
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk.
Maple Icing: Swap the vanilla extract for a tablespoon of maple syrup to create a warm, autumn-inspired flavor.
Cinnamon Spice: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the icing for a cinnamon-flavored glaze to pair with your rolls.
Storage/Reheating
Since this icing is made with butter and milk, it’s best used fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, you can gently warm it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds and stir before drizzling over cinnamon rolls.
FAQs
Can I make this icing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the icing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before using.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine or even coconut oil works as a substitute for butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.
How can I make this icing thicker or thinner?
To adjust the consistency, simply add more powdered sugar to thicken the icing or more milk to thin it out.
Is this icing suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, this icing contains no gluten ingredients, making it suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
Can I use this icing for other baked goods?
Definitely! This icing is perfect for drizzling over any sweet pastries, like scones, cakes, or even muffins.
Conclusion
This cinnamon roll icing without cream cheese is a simple, creamy, and delicious topping that takes only 5 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for drizzling over warm cinnamon rolls or any of your favorite baked goods. With just a few ingredients, it’s easy to make and customize, making it a go-to recipe for when you want a sweet finish to your breakfast or dessert.
Recipe:
Cinnamon Roll Icing Without Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A smooth, sweet icing for cinnamon rolls made without cream cheese, offering a rich and velvety texture that perfectly complements warm rolls.
Ingredients
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free alternative)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and melted butter until smooth.
- Gradually add in the milk, a little at a time, whisking until the icing reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- Drizzle the icing over freshly baked cinnamon rolls while they are still warm, allowing the icing to melt and soak in.
Notes
This icing is best used fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk.
Add a tablespoon of maple syrup instead of vanilla extract for a maple flavor.
For a cinnamon-flavored glaze, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the icing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
