This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting will remind you of homemade sweets straight out of Grandma’s kitchen—rich, fluffy, and just the right consistency for spreading or spooning over anything, from cakes to cinnamon rolls. Make it in 5 minutes for an easy, spreadable topping.
The Best Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is the kind of recipe that feels like it’s been passed down through generations. It’s rich, smooth, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, giving it that warm Southern feel.
When cream cheese and butter come together, the result is a frosting that’s creamy but not too sweet, making it a great complement to just about any dessert. The cinnamon flavor is just enough to give the frosting a little something extra without overpowering the natural tang of the cream cheese.
The texture is smooth and fluffy, perfect for spreading or piping onto cupcakes or layer cakes. It’s thick enough to hold its shape similar to buttercream frosting but still soft and creamy when you take a bite.
I’ve used this frosting on everything from pumpkin cake to banana carrot cake cupcakes and apple cinnamon rolls, and it always adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the kind of frosting that feels like it’s made for special occasions, but it’s simple enough to whip up any time you’re in the mood for a treat.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Cozy: This frosting is a warm twist on regular cream cheese frosting.
- Quick: This recipe only takes 5 minutes to make, making it the perfect topping for your favorite desserts.
- Simple: You only need a few ingredients to make this easy cream cheese frosting recipe.
Just a Couple of Ingredients
- Dairy: You’ll need a full-fat cream cheese block, not the kind that comes in a tub. Use unsalted butter for this recipe. If you want a thinner frosting for cinnamon rolls then you can add a little cream. For a cake or cupcakes, you won’t need any cream.
- Powdered sugar: Helps thicken up the frosting and add sweetness.
- Flavors: Cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor, while a teaspoon of vanilla extract deepen the flavor of the frosting.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and other flavors.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: Step By Step Instructions
Step One: Cream the Dairy
In a stand mixer or using an electric hand mixer and a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together on high speed until they’re smooth and creamy. This will take about a minute.
Step Two: Add the Flavor
Mix in the cinnamon and salt at medium speed until everything is well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Step Three: Sweeten It Up
Gradually add the powdered sugar, starting at a low speed. Once it’s mixed in, turn the speed up and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step Four: Finish with Vanilla
Lastly, stir in the vanilla, and your frosting is ready to go. You can spread it using a knife or add it to a piping bag.
Pro Tips
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature so your frosting isn’t lumpy.
- Make a batch of this frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- If your frosting is too thin, add some confectioners’ sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little cream.
Storage
Place frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Before using, you may have to beat the frosting slightly to get it fluffy again.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cream cheese room temp
- ½ cup butter room temp
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- Combine the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on high until creamy and smooth, about 1 minute. Add the cinnamon, vanilla and salt and mix until combined. Next add the powdered sugar and beat on low until it is incorporated then turn to high and beat until it is smooth and creamy.
Notes
- This makes enough frosting to frost a two 9-inch layer cake or 18 cupcakes.
- If your frosting is too thick or you want more of a glaze, add a little cream to the frosting.
- If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
