If you’ve ever found yourself longing for the perfect sweet glaze to drizzle over a batch of fresh cinnamon rolls but want to skip the cream cheese, you’re in the right place. This Cinnamon Roll Icing without Cream Cheese Recipe delivers that luscious, rich sweetness with a golden brown butter twist, giving you a velvety finish that delights every bite. It’s a simple yet unforgettable topping that elevates your cinnamon rolls without relying on cream cheese, making it perfect for those who prefer a dairy twist or just a lighter touch on their icing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with pantry staples that come together to create that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy in the icing. Each ingredient serves a purpose, making sure your Cinnamon Roll Icing without Cream Cheese Recipe has the right texture and a vibrant flavor.
- Powdered sugar: The cornerstone for smooth sweetness and that classic icing texture.
- Cornstarch: Helps prevent the icing from weeping and keeps it firm and glossy.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors, preventing the icing from tasting overly sweet.
- Unsalted butter: When browned, it adds a nutty depth that transforms the icing.
- Milk (whole or plant-based): Adds creaminess and adjusts consistency perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a warm, aromatic background note to your glaze.
- Lemon juice: Brings a bright pop that balances the sweetness.
- Maple syrup: Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of complexity without overpowering.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Icing without Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Keep stirring constantly as it foams up, then begins to take on a warm, golden brown color. This browning process usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes and fills your kitchen with a nutty aroma. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn—once the foam subsides and the butter smells heavenly, remove it from the heat immediately. This browned butter is where your icing gains its signature rich flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
While the butter cools off for a minute or two, sift together the powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt into a mixing bowl. Sifting is important here because it prevents lumps and ensures that the icing won’t weep or separate when it hits your warm cinnamon rolls, giving you a smooth and firm glaze every single time.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Whisk
Pour the browned butter (along with all those flavorful browned bits from the pan) into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Then add the milk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Whisk everything together vigorously until the mixture becomes silky smooth. If you spot any little lumps, a quick spin with a hand mixer at low speed for about 10 to 15 seconds will get things perfectly blended.
Step 4: Adjust and Rest
Let the icing sit for about 3 minutes to slightly thicken. This resting period really helps the texture come together seamlessly. If you want it a little thicker to hold up well over your rolls, simply whisk in up to another tablespoon of powdered sugar. On the flip side, if you prefer the icing thinner for a gentle drizzle, add small splashes of milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s just right.
Step 5: Drizzle and Store
Now comes the best part. Drizzle your luscious icing in beautiful concentric circles over warm cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. If you find yourself with extra icing, don’t worry! Scoop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll keep for up to 7 days. To reuse, warm it gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds and whisk lightly to bring back that silky, spreadable glory.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Icing without Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your cinnamon rolls, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the icing. A dash of ground cinnamon or even edible flowers can add a delightful visual and flavor boost, complementing the richness of your Cinnamon Roll Icing without Cream Cheese Recipe beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls are already a crowd-pleaser, but pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea creates a cozy breakfast or brunch experience. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries, balances the sweet richness nicely without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the cinnamon rolls stacked on a pretty tiered stand, with the icing flowing decadently down the sides. You can also pipe the icing in decorative swirls to make each roll look bakery-fresh. Another fun idea is to sandwich the icing between two warm buns for a gooey, sweet treat that’s perfect on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cinnamon Roll Icing without Cream Cheese Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its wonderful flavor and texture for up to one week, ready to brighten up your next batch of cinnamon rolls or other baked goods.
Freezing
This icing freezes well, though the texture might slightly change after thawing. To freeze, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftover icing in short bursts in the microwave (about 10 to 15 seconds) to avoid overheating. Whisk the icing thoroughly after warming to restore its smooth, pourable consistency. This step ensures your icing feels just as fresh and luscious as when it was first made.
FAQs
Can I use plant-based milk in this recipe?
Absolutely! This Cinnamon Roll Icing without Cream Cheese Recipe works well with any milk—whether whole, almond, oat, or soy—each will slightly alter the flavor but keep the creaminess intact.
Why do you use cornstarch in the icing?
Cornstarch helps keep the icing from “weeping” or separating, especially when draped over warm cinnamon rolls. It gives the glaze a stable and glossy finish that holds up beautifully.
Can I make this icing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the icing a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently and whisk before drizzling it over warm cinnamon rolls to regain that perfect texture.
Is the lemon juice really necessary?
The lemon juice adds a subtle brightness that balances the sweetness and enriches the overall flavor, making the icing taste fresh and less one-dimensional.
How can I thicken the icing if it’s too runny?
If the icing is too thin, simply whisk in more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired thickness. This gives you control over the consistency without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Icing without Cream Cheese Recipe is a total game changer for anyone craving that luscious glaze without the tang of cream cheese. Its nutty browned butter flavor and just-right sweetness make it an unforgettable topping for cinnamon rolls and beyond. I can’t wait for you to try it and feel that cozy, homemade love with every bite.
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Cinnamon Roll Icing without Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This light and luscious Cinnamon Roll Icing recipe skips cream cheese, using a rich browned butter base for a nutty, smooth glaze that pairs perfectly with warm cinnamon rolls. The addition of cornstarch prevents weeping, ensuring a glossy finish that sets beautifully. Sweetened with maple syrup and brightened by lemon juice and vanilla, this icing is quick to make and adds a deliciously decadent touch to your baked treats.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons milk (whole or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Begin by melting the unsalted butter over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Stir constantly until it foams, then turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, which should take about 4–5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning; remove from heat as soon as the foam subsides for that perfect brown butter flavor.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: While the butter cools for about 1–2 minutes, sift together the powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a mixing bowl. This step is crucial as it prevents weeping and helps maintain a firm glaze on your warm cinnamon rolls.
- Combine Ingredients: Introduce the browned butter (including any of the delicious browned bits) to the dry mixture. Pour in the milk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth. If you notice small lumps, switch over to a hand mixer on low speed for just 10–15 seconds to incorporate everything evenly.
- Rest the Icing: Allow the icing to rest for about 3 minutes, during which it will thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker icing, add up to 1 tablespoon more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, introduce 1 teaspoon more milk at a time until you achieve the perfect consistency for drizzling over your rolls.
- Serve or Store: With everything ready, you can drizzle the icing over warm cinnamon rolls in concentric circles. If you have leftover icing, scoop it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 7 days. To use leftover icing, gently warm it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds and whisk to restore its silky texture.
Notes
- Use whole milk or plant-based milk depending on your dietary preferences.
- Sifting the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture is essential to prevent weeping of the icing.
- If you want a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time.
- For thinner icing suitable for drizzling, add milk a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Rewarm leftover icing gently and whisk well before using to restore texture.
