The first time I topped warm cinnamon rolls with this maple cream cheese frosting, my family fell silent – that magical quiet that only happens when food is so good, no one wants to pause for conversation. This simple yet decadent frosting transforms ordinary cinnamon rolls into a bakery-worthy treat with its perfect balance of tangy cream cheese, butter richness, and pure maple sweetness. Ready in just 5 minutes with ingredients you likely have on hand, this frosting is the finishing touch your homemade (or even store-bought) cinnamon rolls have been missing.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this maple cream cheese frosting lies in its carefully balanced ingredients. Starting with softened (not melted) cream cheese and butter ensures a silky-smooth texture, free from lumps. The combination of powdered sugar and real maple syrup creates a frosting that is sweet but not cloying, while the addition of vanilla and milk brings everything together with the perfect spreadable consistency. Applied to slightly warm cinnamon rolls, it creates a half-melted glaze effect that seeps partially into the rolls while maintaining a creamy top layer.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese – Provides tangy richness and creamy base for the frosting
- Butter – Adds silky texture and rich mouthfeel
- Powdered sugar – Creates smooth sweetness without graininess
- Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor with aromatic warmth
- Milk – Adjusts consistency for perfect spreadability
- Maple syrup – Contributes distinctive flavor and natural sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter in a medium mixing bowl. Ensure both ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, mixing on low speed initially to prevent a sugary cloud, then increasing to medium speed once incorporated.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons maple syrup to the mixture.
- Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of milk and beat until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Spread the frosting generously over slightly cooled cinnamon rolls, allowing it to partially melt into the warm rolls.
Maple Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Frosting
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 teaspoon milk
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together well. Spread over the rolls that have cooled slightly.
Notes
Nutrition
Cinnamon roll recipes to use this frosting with
- Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
- Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie
- Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
- Panera Cinnamon Rolls
- Publix Buttercream Frosting
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This is really good! I will be making this icing!