If you’ve ever licked the icing off a Pillsbury cinnamon roll before taking a bite (guilty!), this Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing recipe is about to make your mornings so much sweeter. Whether you’re whipping up homemade rolls or popping open that familiar blue can, this creamy, dreamy frosting will bring back all those cozy weekend breakfast vibes—without even leaving your kitchen.
As a busy mom who often juggles getting breakfast on the table while reminding my kids where their shoes are, I get the need for simple, foolproof recipes. This one? It’s a five-ingredient miracle you can make in minutes. And yes, it tastes just like the original icing Pillsbury swirls over their famous rolls (maybe even better… but you didn’t hear that from me!).
If you love cinnamon breakfasts, check out Cinnamon French Toast.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing
- Quick & Easy: No fancy mixers or hard-to-find ingredients. Just one bowl and five pantry staples!
- Better Than Store-Bought: Creamy, sweet, and buttery—this homemade version tastes fresher and richer than the Pillsbury frosting you know and love.
- Versatile: Spread it over warm cinnamon rolls, drizzle on pancakes, or sneak a spoonful straight from the bowl (no judgment here).
Ingredients You’ll Need
(These are the Pillsbury icing ingredients reimagined for your kitchen!)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (soft enough to make your finger leave a dent, but not melted!)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure is best, but use what you have!)
- ⅛ teaspoon fine salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sometimes called confectioners’ sugar)
- ¼ cup heavy cream, room temperature (for that luscious, spreadable texture)
How to Make the Icing on Cinnamon Rolls
(So simple, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought!)
Step 1: Beat the Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth, creamy, and just slightly pale—about 2-3 minutes. If your butter is too cold, it won’t whip up as fluffy (learned that the hard way more than once!).
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Salt
Pour in the vanilla extract and sprinkle in the salt. Give it another good mix until everything’s well combined. Your kitchen will already start smelling like a bakery at this point. You’re welcome!
Step 3: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
Add the powdered sugar slowly, about ½ cup at a time, mixing in between batches. Trust me on this—you don’t want a sugar dust storm clouding up your kitchen!
Step 4: Cream Time
Pour in the heavy cream and mix until your frosting is fluffy and spreadable. If it’s a little too thick, you can add a splash more cream (or milk in a pinch).
Step 5: Spread & Savor
Generously slather this frosting over warm cinnamon rolls (store-bought cinnamon rolls Pillsbury ingredients or homemade—no judgment!). It melts slightly into every swirl, giving you that iconic gooey glaze we all adore.
Curious about which dough to use? Learn the Difference Between Croissant Rolls and Crescent Rolls.
Tips for Perfect Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing
- Room Temp Is Key: Cold butter or cream can make the frosting lumpy. If you forget to set them out ahead of time, microwave the butter in 5-second bursts or warm the cream slightly.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This frosting keeps for up to a week in the fridge! Just store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the top. When you’re ready to use it again, let it soften on the counter and give it a quick stir.
- Not Just for Cinnamon Rolls: Try it on cupcakes, waffles, or sandwiched between cookies. One of my readers even used it as a dip for apple slices!
A Little Story From My Kitchen
Saturday mornings in our house have always held a special kind of magic. For as long as I can remember, the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven was our weekend wake-up call. Back when my kids were younger (and let’s be honest, even now), there was an unspoken rule: whoever got to the kitchen first could sneak the extra spoonful of frosting. This Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing quickly became our family favorite because, well, you can never have too much icing, right?
The First Time I Made Extra Icing
The first time I made extra icing was purely by accident. I had doubled the recipe because we were hosting a last-minute sleepover, and I panicked that there wouldn’t be enough. As it turned out, the kids were thrilled! They spread it thick on their rolls and even asked if they could dip apple slices and pretzels into it. Honestly, I think they liked the frosting more than the rolls themselves.
From that day forward, it became a family tradition to make a big batch of this Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing, whether we were baking Pillsbury cinnamon rolls straight from the can or making them from scratch. There’s just something about that sweet, creamy goodness that makes everyone’s eyes light up.
How It Became “Mom’s Magic Frosting”
Over time, the kids gave it a nickname—“Mom’s Magic Frosting.” It made me smile every single time they said it. Even my husband, who doesn’t usually have much of a sweet tooth, gets excited when he sees the bowl sitting on the counter. Some weekends, I catch him sneaking a spoonful when he thinks no one’s watching. (Spoiler alert: someone’s always watching!) If you love gooey treats, you should check out What is the Secret to Gooey Cookies?.
Now, whenever friends come over, they ask if I have any “of that icing” in the fridge. And most of the time, I do! It’s a staple in our house. We keep it on hand for cinnamon rolls, yes—but also for pancakes, waffles, and even cupcakes. Honestly, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing.
FAQs About Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing
Can I make this icing ahead of time?
Absolutely! This frosting lasts for a week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container and press plastic wrap against the surface to prevent a crust from forming.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You sure can. Milk works in a pinch, but heavy cream gives it that luxurious texture Pillsbury frosting fans love.
Can I freeze the icing?
Yes! Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and whip it again before using.
How do I get that smooth finish like icing Pillsbury rolls have?
Spread it over warm cinnamon rolls! The heat helps it melt slightly and create that signature glossy glaze. (And makes your kitchen smell like heaven on a lazy Sunday morning!)
Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or just need something quick and easy to brighten your morning, this Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Icing will be your new best friend. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet—just like the original, only better because you made it!