What is a good substitute for cream cheese frosting for cinnamon rolls?

A great substitute is a simple butter-based frosting made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. It’s creamy, smooth, and complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully. This cinnamon rolls frosting recipe without cream cheese is a perfect example—it’s quick, reliable, and still tastes homemade.

How to make cinnamon bun icing without cream cheese?

Start with softened butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. Whisk until smooth, then stir in vanilla for flavor. You can adjust the texture by changing the milk amount. This method is used in our favorite cinnamon rolls frosting recipe without cream cheese and works for both spreadable and drizzly icing styles.

What can you use instead of cream cheese for frosting?

Aside from butter, you can try Greek yogurt, whipped ricotta, or even coconut cream. Each brings a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all offer creamy results. The butter version in this cinnamon rolls frosting recipe without cream cheese keeps things classic and easy.

What is cinnamon roll icing made of?

Traditionally, it’s made with powdered sugar, butter, milk or cream, and vanilla. Some recipes use cream cheese for tang, but this one skips it and still delivers a smooth, sweet finish. That’s the magic of this cinnamon rolls frosting recipe without cream cheese —you won’t miss a thing.

Cinnamon Rolls Frosting Recipe Without Cream Cheese

Description

This cinnamon rolls frosting recipe without cream cheese is smooth, sweet, and made with just four pantry staples. No cream cheese needed!

Ingredients

2 cups powdered sugar

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ to 2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Add powdered sugar and softened butter to a bowl.

2. Mix with a whisk until combined.

3. Add vanilla and 1 ½ tablespoons milk.

4. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

5. Adjust milk for desired thickness.

6. Spread over warm or cooled cinnamon rolls.

Notes

Start with less milk and add more as needed for your preferred consistency.

You can add cinnamon, maple, or citrus zest to change the flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tbsp
Calories: 140
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg