The Best Fast Food Cinnamon Roll Frosting Recipe

There are plenty of gourmet cinnamon roll icing recipes out there, but how about when you're craving that nostalgic flavor from a fast-food joint? It's just something about that specific flavor and texture that feels and tastes so good and brings back all of those happy memories. And thanks to this easy recipe, you can experience it anytime!

This is a great recipe to use for homemade cinnamon rolls, but it can also be used for store-bought rolls because we all know that they never come with enough frosting. Because at the end of the day a naked cinnamon roll is good but a frosted one is so much better.

Since you are here and love copycat dessert recipes, check out this Copycat Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe, this Starbucks Brownies Recipe, or maybe this Dunkin Donuts Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe to pair with your buns!

Ingredients for this fast food cinnamon roll frosting recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Butter-flavored Crisco: or you could use regular Crisco.
• Margarine: has a higher melting point than butter so it helps the frosting retain its shape better.
• Cream Cheese: You will want the cream cheese to be softened so pull it out of the fridge 30 minutes before you begin the recipe.
• Powdered Sugar:  the confectioner's sugar sweetens the cream cheese without making it heavier.
• Vanilla Extract: adds a touch of flavor to the cinnamon roll glaze. To make it extra fancy, add some vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract. 
• Heavy Cream: to perfect the texture of our homemade icing. You can add a little more heavy cream to your cinnamon rolls to get the texture just right based on your personal preference. 

How to make this fast food cinnamon roll frosting recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. Whip the cream cheese, Crisco, and margarine together in a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer until fluffy and well combined.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat the mixture until smooth and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
4. Slowly add the heavy cream, a little at a time, while beating the frosting until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more milk/cream if you prefer a thinner consistency or more powdered sugar for a thicker texture.
6. Spread on your baked rolls, and for best results allow your rolls to cool down for a few minutes when you pul them out of the oven so that the frosting doesn't melt completely when you frost them. You can also use it to frost this white cake from scratch or this 4th of July poke cake.

Tip: I used an electric mixer for this frosting recipe, but you can also use a stand mixer with the whip attachment. 

Why do you need to make this fast-food cinnamon roll frosting recipe?

• This icing recipe only requires a few simple ingredients that you can easily find at a grocery store.
• We all know that the best part of the cinnamon roll is the icing, so you might as well make it the best way.
• This tangy cream cheese frosting has a crazy good flavor and the best texture.
• You can use the leftover frosting as a topping for other great things like cupcakes or brownies.
• This is an icing recipe that will take gooey cinnamon rolls and elevate them to the next level.
• Whether you need a weekend or brunch cinnamon roll frosting staple or you need something quick for Christmas morning 

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

How do I store leftover frosting?

To store leftover frosting, put it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and stir to soften it. Make sure you don't freeze it because it will separate once it thaws and will ruin the texture.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time. Prepare it as directed in the recipe above and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before whipping again then frosting your cinnamon rolls with it. 

I used too much cream, and now my frosting is too runny. What should I do?

If the frosting is too runny, you can thicken it by adding powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I reheat my frosted leftover cinnamon roll?

I know that reheating cinnamon rolls can be stressful especially when they are frosted. I like to microwave mine in 10 second intervals to get the cinnamon rolls ooey gooey again without melting the frosting too much. 

How can I customize this fast food cinnamon roll frosting recipe?

• Add Flavors! You can alter the whole flavor of the cream cheese icing by mixing cocoa powder, cinnamon and nutmeg, or the zest of a citrus fruit like lemon or orange.
• Add Colors! If these perfect cinnamon rolls are for a kid's birthday party or holiday event, you can add a fun pop of color by including a drop or two of food coloring into the creamy frosting.
• Add Toppings! Once your cinnamon rolls are topped with the fluffy frosting, add a layer of colored sprinkles, a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips or orange zest.

The Best Fast Food Cinnamon Roll Frosting Recipe