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Maple vanilla glaze drizzled on cinnamon rolls

Name: Cinnamon Rolls Frosting Recipe Without Cream Cheese

Summary: A smooth, sweet, and easy frosting perfect for cinnamon rolls—made without cream cheese! Light, fluffy, and customizable with pantry staples in under 5 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup half a stick unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk dairy or plant-based
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt optional

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Spatula or spoon

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Soften butter at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until light and creamy.
  4. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed at first, then increasing to high until well blended.
  5. Add milk and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust consistency with more milk (thinner) or sugar (thicker).
  6. Optionally, add a pinch of salt or a flavor booster (maple syrup, lemon zest, almond extract).
  7. Spread or drizzle the frosting over warm cinnamon rolls as desired.

Notes

Notes:
For a glaze-like frosting, add more milk (1 tsp at a time).
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and milk, and check powdered sugar is vegan-certified.
For flavor variations, try adding maple syrup, brown butter, or cinnamon to the base.
Store frosting in the fridge for up to 3 days, re-whip before use.