Cinnamon Roll Icing without Cream Cheese

So you want cinnamon roll icing but you’re not in the mood for cream cheese? I totally get it.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good cream cheese frosting, but sometimes you just want something lighter and sweeter. Something that melts into those warm cinnamon rolls and creates that classic bakery-style glaze.

And honestly, this icing is so much easier than the cream cheese version.

You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now, and it takes maybe five minutes to whip together. No softening cream cheese, no weird lumps, just smooth, sweet, vanilla-flavored perfection.

I started making this when I realized I was always out of cream cheese at the worst possible moments (like when I had fresh cinnamon rolls cooling on the counter). After trying it a few times, I honestly think I prefer it.

It’s lighter, sweeter, and has this amazing silky texture that just melts into every crevice of those warm rolls.

What You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is. Just five basic ingredients and you’re good to go.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Powdered sugar	2 cups	Also called confectioners’ sugar
Milk	3-4 tablespoons	Whole milk works best
Melted butter	2 tablespoons	Unsalted preferred
Pure vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Real vanilla makes a difference
Salt	1 pinch	Trust me on this one

That’s it. Seriously.

Tools You’ll Need

You probably have all of these already:

Tool	Why You Need It
Medium mixing bowl	For mixing the icing
Whisk or fork	To get it smooth
Measuring cups & spoons	For accuracy
Small microwave-safe bowl	To melt the butter
Spoon or small ladle	For drizzling perfection

No mixer needed, no special equipment.

Also Read: Classic Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie

Pro Tips 💡

Temperature Matters More Than You Think

Your butter should be melted but not hot, and your milk should be at room temperature. If everything’s too cold, your icing will be thick and hard to drizzle. If it’s too warm, it’ll be runny and won’t set properly on the rolls.

Start With Less Liquid

You can always add more milk to thin it out, but you can’t take it back once it’s in there. I usually start with 3 tablespoons and add more a teaspoon at a time until I get the consistency I want. For that perfect drizzle-able glaze, it should slowly fall off your whisk in ribbons.

Sift Your Powdered Sugar

I know it’s an extra step, but it makes such a difference. No lumps, no grittiness, just smooth, silky icing. If you don’t have a sifter, just use a fine mesh strainer and press it through with a spoon.

The Salt is Non-Negotiable

I know it seems weird to add salt to something sweet, but it balances out all that sugar and makes the vanilla flavor pop. Just a tiny pinch transforms this from good to amazing.

Perfect Timing

Make it while your cinnamon rolls are baking. The timing is perfect because the icing is ready right when the rolls come out of the oven, and pouring it over warm (not hot) rolls means it melts into all those layers. Pure magic.

Substitutions & Variations

This is where things get fun because you can customize this icing so many different ways.

Dairy-Free Options

Instead of	Use This
Regular milk	Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk
Butter	Coconut oil or vegan butter

Flavor Variations 🎨

Want to switch things up? Try these instead of vanilla:

Maple: Use maple extract + 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
Almond: Use half the amount (it’s stronger!)
Citrus: Add 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest
Coffee: Just a teaspoon of espresso powder
Double Cinnamon: Because why not?

Consistency Changes

Want it thicker? Use less milk (start with 2 tablespoons) and add a bit more butter. You can spread this version on with a knife.

Want it thinner? Add milk a teaspoon at a time until it’s drizzle-able.

Want it chocolate? Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the powdered sugar. You might need an extra tablespoon of milk.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s actually make this thing. It’s almost embarrassingly easy.

Step 1: Prep Your Sugar

Sift your powdered sugar into a medium bowl. If you’re skipping the sifting (no judgment), just make sure there aren’t any big lumps.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Melt your butter in the microwave. About 20-30 seconds should do it. You want it liquid but not hot.

Step 3: Mix the Dry with the Wet

Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to your powdered sugar.

Use your whisk to start mixing everything together. It’ll look dry and crumbly at first—that’s normal.

Also Read: Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 4: Add Your Milk

Now add 3 tablespoons of milk and whisk everything together.

Keep whisking until it’s smooth and creamy. This usually takes about a minute or so.

Step 5: Check Consistency

Hold up your whisk and let the icing drip off. It should fall in slow, thick ribbons.

Too thick? Add more milk a teaspoon at a time.

Too thin? Add a bit more powdered sugar.

Step 6: Taste Test

This is the fun part. Does it need more vanilla? A bit more salt? Adjust to your liking.

Step 7: Drizzle Time

Pour it over your warm (not hot) cinnamon rolls and watch it melt into all those layers.

Try not to eat them all immediately.

⏱️ Total Time: About 5 minutes

Make Ahead Tips

You can definitely make this icing ahead of time, which is super helpful for busy mornings.

Mix everything together and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

When you’re ready to use it, just let it come to room temperature and give it a good stir. You might need to add a tiny splash of milk to thin it out since it thickens up in the fridge.

Or you can make it the night before and leave it covered on your counter if your kitchen isn’t too warm.

Honestly though, it’s so quick to make that I usually just whip it up fresh. But it’s nice to know you have options.

Nutritional Information

This makes about 1 cup of icing (enough for 12 cinnamon rolls).

Per 2 Tablespoon Serving	Amount
Calories	110
Fat	2g
Carbohydrates	24g
Sugar	23g
Protein	0g

Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients.

Diet-Friendly Swaps

Diet	Swap This
Vegan	Use plant-based butter + non-dairy milk
Keto/Low-carb	Try powdered erythritol (won’t be as smooth)
Paleo	Use coconut oil + coconut milk + powdered coconut sugar

What Else Can You Use This On?

Obviously cinnamon rolls are the star here, but this icing is amazing on:

✨ Warm scones ✨ Coffee cake
✨ Banana bread ✨ Apple fritters ✨ Literally any baked good that needs a sweet glaze

Leftovers & Storage

If you somehow have leftover icing (which honestly doesn’t happen often in my house), here’s what to do.

In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and stir before using. You might need a splash of milk.

In the Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before using.

My Favorite Option: Just drizzle it over everything. Pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, fresh fruit. There’s really no wrong answer here.

FAQ

Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?

Not really. Regular granulated sugar won’t dissolve properly and you’ll end up with a gritty, crunchy icing. Powdered sugar is the way to go.

Why is my icing too thick?

You probably didn’t add enough liquid. Just add milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches the consistency you want. It should drip slowly off your whisk.

Why is my icing too thin?

You added too much liquid. The fix is easy—just whisk in more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it thickens up.

Can I make this without butter?

You can, but it won’t be quite as rich and delicious. The butter adds flavor and helps create that smooth, silky texture. If you need to skip it, just use a bit more milk instead.

Also Read: Bacon Egg And Tater Tot Casserole

How long does this icing take to set?

On warm cinnamon rolls, it kind of melts into the layers and stays soft, which is honestly the best part.

If you want it to set more firmly, let the rolls cool completely before icing them, or put your iced rolls in the fridge for about 20 minutes.

Can I color this icing?

Absolutely! Just add a few drops of food coloring and mix it in. Perfect for holiday cinnamon rolls or festive occasions.

Is this icing gluten-free?

Yep, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your powdered sugar hasn’t been processed in a facility with wheat if you’re seriously sensitive.

Can I halve this recipe?

Sure, but I’d recommend making the full batch. You’ll probably use more than you think, and leftovers are never a bad thing. Plus it’s kind of hard to measure out half a pinch of salt.

Quick Reference Guide

Question	Quick Answer
Prep time?	5 minutes
Best consistency?	Slow ribbons off the whisk
Storage time?	Up to 1 week in fridge
Can I freeze it?	Yes, up to 3 months
Dairy-free option?	Use plant milk + coconut oil
Make ahead?	Yes, just add milk before using

Wrapping Up ✨

So there you have it—the easiest, most delicious cinnamon roll icing that doesn’t require cream cheese, a mixer, or any fancy ingredients.

I love this recipe because it’s so versatile and forgiving. Whether you want a thin glaze that soaks into every layer or a thicker frosting you can spread on top, you can make it work.

And the flavor combinations are endless once you start playing around with different extracts and add-ins.

The next time you’re making cinnamon rolls (or really any sweet baked good that needs icing), give this version a try. I think you’ll be surprised at how much you love it.

Honestly, once you realize how easy it is to make icing from scratch, you might never buy the store-bought stuff again. There’s something really satisfying about making everything yourself, even the sweet finishing touches.

So go ahead and make a batch. Pour it over those warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy every amazing, sweet, vanilla-flavored bite.

Then come back here and leave a comment telling me how it turned out. Did you try any flavor variations? Did you make it thicker or thinner? I want to hear all about it! 💬