Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing (Copycat)

There’s nothing quite like a warm cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven, topped with a sweet, creamy icing that just melts into all those cozy, cinnamon swirls. And guess what? You can make the perfect version of that iconic Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll icing right at home! This recipe is so simple yet so satisfying—it’s the icing that dreams are made of. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

Why You’ll Love Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing (Copycat)

This copycat version of Pillsbury’s famous cinnamon roll icing is the perfect finishing touch to your homemade cinnamon rolls or even store-bought ones when you want to elevate them to next-level deliciousness. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Quick & Easy: It’s a simple 5-ingredient recipe that requires no fancy techniques or equipment. If you can cream butter and mix ingredients, you can totally make this icing!
• Creamy & Dreamy: The perfect balance of sweetness and smoothness. This icing coats your rolls without being overly sweet, adding just the right amount of richness.
• Versatile: You can use it for other baked goods too! Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or even coffee cakes—anything that could use a little creamy sweetness.
• Customizable: Want to jazz it up a bit? Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cinnamon twist or a splash of maple extract for a new flavor profile.
• No More Store-Bought: Once you try this homemade version, you’ll be hooked. It’s that good!

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients that make this icing so creamy and dreamy:

Unsalted Butter: The base of the icing, giving it that luscious, smooth texture. Room temperature butter ensures it mixes in seamlessly. Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon rolls (or anything sweet, really). Fine Salt: A pinch of salt brings balance to the sweetness and rounds out the flavor. Powdered Sugar: This is what gives the icing its smooth, sweet consistency. Make sure to sift it to avoid any lumps! Heavy Cream: The magic ingredient that turns this icing into a silky smooth delight. Room temperature cream will blend perfectly.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this icing? Here’s how it’s done:

Cream the Butter and Vanilla: In a large bowl, start by creaming together the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until it’s nice and smooth. This is the base of your icing, and the vanilla gives it that classic flavor.

Add Salt: Sprinkle in the fine salt, and mix it in. It’ll help balance out the sweetness and bring out all the other flavors.

Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until the icing reaches a thick, smooth consistency. Keep mixing until everything is well incorporated.

Add the Heavy Cream: Finally, pour in the heavy cream while mixing. You want to add just enough to get the icing to a nice, smooth, pourable consistency. Mix until everything is perfectly smooth, and you’ve got yourself the ideal icing.

Serve and Enjoy: Drizzle that heavenly icing over your warm cinnamon rolls, pancakes, or whatever else you’re craving. Enjoy the sweet, creamy perfection!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 (based on 1 tablespoon of icing per serving)
Calories per serving: Approximately 130 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

How to Serve Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing (Copycat)

This icing is incredibly versatile and can elevate so many baked goods. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

• Cinnamon Rolls: Obviously, this is the best way to use this icing. Drizzle it over fresh, warm cinnamon rolls for the perfect breakfast or dessert treat.
• Pancakes or Waffles: Add a generous drizzle over your morning pancakes or waffles for a rich, indulgent start to your day.
• Coffee Cake: This icing is also amazing when drizzled over a slice of coffee cake, adding just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cake’s crumbly texture.
• Donuts: Use this icing as a glaze for your homemade or store-bought donuts. A delicious finishing touch!
• Baked Goods: Whether it’s muffins, scones, or any other sweet pastry, this icing works wonders.

For an extra touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or even some chopped nuts on top after icing for added texture and flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Make It Ahead: If you’re planning a big breakfast or brunch, you can make the icing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat it slightly before serving.
• Thicken It: If your icing is too runny, add more powdered sugar to thicken it up. Add a little at a time, and mix well.
• Flavor Variations: If you want a fun twist, try adding a bit of maple syrup or almond extract for a new flavor profile.
• Store It: If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), store the icing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to bring it back to its smooth, pourable consistency.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A1: Yes! You can substitute milk for heavy cream, but the texture may be a bit thinner. Heavy cream gives it a richer, silkier consistency.

Q2: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use margarine or another butter substitute.

Q3: How do I store leftover icing?
A3: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to get it smooth again.

Q4: Can I make this icing ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before using to bring it back to its perfect consistency.

Q5: Can I make this icing without powdered sugar?
A5: Powdered sugar is essential for the texture and sweetness of the icing. If you don’t have it, you can try making your own by blending granulated sugar until it’s fine, but the texture might differ.

Q6: Can I freeze the icing?
A6: Yes! Freeze the icing in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Q7: Can I add cinnamon to the icing?
A7: Definitely! You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the icing to give it a warm, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon rolls.

Q8: What can I use this icing for besides cinnamon rolls?
A8: It’s great on pancakes, waffles, donuts, muffins, coffee cakes, or really any other baked goods you love.

Q9: Can I make this icing dairy-free?
A9: Yes! You can use dairy-free butter and heavy cream substitutes like coconut cream or almond milk to make this icing dairy-free.

Q10: Can I make this icing thicker?
A10: Absolutely! Just add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired thickness. Start with small amounts and mix thoroughly.

Conclusion

This Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing (Copycat) is the perfect sweet finish for your cinnamon rolls and other baked goodies. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have an icing that’s rich, creamy, and absolutely dreamy. Once you try it, you won’t want to go back to the store-bought stuff. It’s versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet indulgence!

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