Cream Cheese Frosting for Warm Cinnamon Rolls
This smooth frosting combines cream cheese, butter, icing sugar and vanilla for spreading over warm cinnamon rolls.
This smooth frosting combines cream cheese, butter, icing sugar and vanilla for spreading over warm cinnamon rolls. Let the rolls cool slightly so the frosting softens without melting into a puddle. Beat the butter and cream cheese only until smooth, then add sugar gradually to keep the texture light. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Refrigerate any frosted leftovers because the topping contains dairy. Beat softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add icing sugar in two additions, beating on low until incorporated. Mix in vanilla and salt; scrape bowl sides and beat briefly until fluffy. Add milk a teaspoon at a time only if a thinner spread is needed.
Recipe card
Cream Cheese Frosting for Warm Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment: Mixing bowls, measuring tools and suitable baking pan or appliance
Ingredients
Instructions
Beat
Beat softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
Sweeten
Add icing sugar in two additions, beating on low until incorporated.
Flavor
Mix in vanilla and salt; scrape bowl sides and beat briefly until fluffy.
Adjust
Add milk a teaspoon at a time only if a thinner spread is needed.
Frost
Spread over cinnamon rolls while they are warm but no longer steaming.
How to tell when it is ready
Spread over cinnamon rolls while they are warm but no longer steaming.
Tips
- Beat softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Add icing sugar in two additions, beating on low until incorporated.
- Mix in vanilla and salt.
- Add milk a teaspoon at a time only if a thinner spread is needed.
Troubleshooting
- If frosting is too soft, chill briefly.
- If lumpy, soften ingredients and beat again.
Substitutions
- Use neufchâtel for cream cheese.
- Use plant butter and vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free frosting.
Variations
- Add orange zest.
- Use maple extract for a warmer flavor.
Serving suggestions
- Frost cinnamon rolls.
- Spread over carrot cake.
- Fill sweet buns.
- Serve with warm apple rolls.
Make ahead
Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Refrigerate covered up to 5 days; bring to room temperature and stir before spreading.
Storage
Refrigerate covered up to 5 days; bring to room temperature and stir before spreading.
Food safety
Contains dairy; refrigerate frosted rolls and frosting promptly.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know cinnamon roll cream cheese frosting is ready?
Spread over cinnamon rolls while they are warm but no longer steaming.
How should I store cinnamon roll cream cheese frosting?
Refrigerate covered up to 5 days; bring to room temperature and stir before spreading.
Frost cinnamon rolls. Refrigerate covered up to 5 days; bring to room temperature and stir before spreading.
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