Cinnamon rolls are a beloved treat enjoyed by many for their warm, comforting flavors.
With soft, fluffy dough and a sweet and fragrant cinnamon filling, they’re simply irresistible.
But have you ever thought of trying different delicious toppings for cinnamon rolls to take these sweet pastries to the next level?
In this article, you'll discover some of the best toppings to tickle your taste buds and make this yummy pastry even more mouthwatering!
15 Cinnamon Roll Toppings for Every Palate: A Quick Look
Here's a quick overview of our favorite cinnamon roll toppings!
To make things easier, they're divided into five categories: classic sweet, nutty and crunchy, fruity and fresh, savory and surprising, and easy and delicious.
| Topping Category | Topping | How It Enhances Cinnamon Rolls |
|---|---|---|
| Classic sweet toppings | Cream cheese frosting | Adds a sweet, tangy, and creamy flavor |
| Vanilla glaze | Offers a subtle flavor enhancement and adds shine | |
| Sugar glaze | Amps up the rolls’ sweetness and gives them a glossy finish | |
| Caramel drizzle | Provides a rich, indulgent, and buttery flavor with a gooey and sticky texture | |
| Chocolate sauce | Enhances the decadent flavor of cinnamon rolls | |
| Coffee glaze | Brings in a hint of bitterness to balance out the sweet and spicy flavors of the rolls | |
| Nutty and crunchy toppings | Toasted nuts and seeds | Creates a nutty crunch and introduces a subtly smoky flavor |
| Toasted coconut flakes | Gives each bite a sweet crunch | |
| Fruity and fresh toppings | Fruit compote | Improves the visual appeal of cinnamon rolls with gorgeous colors and gives them a sweet, fruity layer of flavor |
| Orange glaze | Balances the sweetness of the rolls with citrusy notes; adds a sticky texture | |
| Savory and surprising toppings | Maple bacon crumbles | Introduces a fun contrast in taste and texture with the saltiness and crispiness of bacon |
| Chai spice icing | Elevates cinnamon rolls with a warm and spicy flavor experience | |
| Creamy nut butter swirl | Gives the rolls a unique nutty flavor with a rich, creamy feel | |
| Easy and delicious toppings | Vanilla ice cream | Creates an extra layer of indulgence; contrasts the rolls’ warmth with its coolness |
| Powdered sugar | Upgrades cinnamon rolls in a simple and tasty way with a sweet flavor and a powdery texture |
Classic Sweet Cinnamon Roll Toppings
Ready to enjoy your homemade or store-bought cinnamon rolls in a whole new way? Take a look at the cinnamon roll topping ideas below!
First, here are some classic and easy toppings for cinnamon rolls that are sweet and well-loved.
1. Cream Cheese Frosting
This frosting is just the right mix of sweetness and tanginess, with a creamy texture that perfectly complements the warm, gooey rolls.
It’s a versatile frosting for your baked goods because you can use a lot of other different toppings for cinnamon rolls with a cream cheese frosting.
Here’s a basic cream cheese frosting recipe:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese Softened butter Powdered sugar | In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and softened butter and mix them until smooth. Then gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to mix until you get your desired consistency. | Use a butter knife or spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting on top of slightly cooled cinnamon rolls. |
If you want a more detailed tutorial about how to make a velvety smooth frosting, watch the video below:
2. Vanilla Glaze
Simple yet delightful, a classic vanilla glaze should be your top choice if you want a topping for your cinnamon roll without cream cheese!
This sweet glaze will give your rolls an irresistible shine and a subtle but delectable flavor enhancement.
Vanilla glaze is pretty easy to make. Just follow this quick and simple recipe:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered sugar Milk Vanilla extract | Simply whisk the ingredients together. | Drizzle over freshly baked cinnamon rolls. |
3. Sugar Glaze
If you’re not a fan of vanilla, you can try sugar glaze. It’s a straightforward and light option.
A sugar glaze frosting adds a sweet taste and a glossy finish to your cinnamon rolls, and it's great for other desserts too, such as pumpkin turnovers and Bundt cakes.
Here’s a basic overview of the steps involved in making it:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Softened butter Water Powdered sugar | Melt the butter with water. Mix in the powdered sugar, and then give it a good whisk. | Pour the sugar glaze over your cinnamon rolls. |
You can also watch this video on how to make a cinnamon roll sugar glaze if you need more guidance:
4. Caramel Drizzle
Adding a rich, indulgent caramel drizzle is an excellent way to enrich your cinnamon rolls with a deep, buttery flavor.
This also gives your breakfast treat a gooey, sticky, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
For this topping, you can simply heat a cup of store-bought caramel sauce until it’s pourable.
But if you’re willing to put in a little effort, you can follow our recipe for a caramel sauce below, which can be used for both caramel rolls and cinnamon rolls:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar Butter Honey | Place all the ingredients in a pan on low heat. Allow them to melt, then mix well until bubbles form. | Drizzle this gooey goodness all over your cinnamon rolls! |
5. Chocolate Sauce
Enhance the flavors of your cinnamon roll by drizzling it with a rich and smooth chocolate sauce.
This decadent sauce will take your cinnamon rolls from simple to extraordinary, pleasing both young and mature taste buds — making your rolls an indulgent treat for the whole family!
Here’s how you make a chocolate sauce:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate chips (dark, milk, white, or semi-sweet) Unsalted butter or coconut oil | Simply melt the chocolate chips with a bit of butter or coconut oil. | Pour the chocolate sauce over your warm cinnamon rolls. |
Pro Tip: Save any leftover chocolate sauce and drizzle it all over your cupcakes, cookies, and even popcorn!
6. Coffee Glaze
A coffee glaze is the perfect topping for cinnamon rolls when you're looking for a more grown-up twist.
The combination of the sweet roll and the slightly bitter coffee notes will create a delightful flavor experience.
To make coffee glaze for your cinnamon rolls, follow this recipe:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered sugar Pinch of salt Cooled brewed coffee | Whisk together the ingredients until you reach your desired consistency. | Generously drizzle the coffee glaze over your freshly baked cinnamon rolls. |
Nutty and Crunchy Toppings
Aside from frosting, you can also elevate your cinnamon rolls with some nutty and crunchy toppings that give them a delightful contrast in texture and a burst of extra flavor.
7. Toasted Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a perfect addition to cinnamon rolls.
Whether you use only one kind of nut or a combination of nuts and seeds, they add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your sweet and fluffy pastry.
They’re also packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them healthy toppings for cinnamon rolls!
Additionally, toasting them can bring out a slightly smoky flavor that will lend some depth to your cinnamon roll!
Here's how to toast nuts and seeds quickly:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Nuts and seeds such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds | Simply toast the nuts and seeds in a dry pan until they are fragrant and golden brown. | Chop the toasted nuts and seeds into small pieces and sprinkle them on top of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. |
Pro Tip: To add a hint of sweetness and a bit of stickiness, you can even mix in some honey or maple syrup to the nuts and seeds before toasting to caramelize them.
8. Toasted Coconut Flakes
Toasted coconut flakes are another delicious and easy addition to your cinnamon rolls!
Their sweet and nutty flavor perfectly complements the warm cinnamon spice, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
How do you make toasted coconut flakes? It’s pretty easy! Just grab the ingredients and follow the steps below:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetened coconut flakes | Spread the flakes evenly on a baking sheet and bake for five to seven minutes or until they turn a light golden brown color. | Sprinkle the coconut flakes on top of your cinnamon rolls to give them some crunch. |
For more detailed instructions, you can watch this video from Sugar Geek:
Fruity and Fresh Toppings
When it comes to alternative toppings for cinnamon rolls, you also have fruit options that add a refreshing twist to your pastry.
9. Fruit Compote
Fresh fruit compote is a wonderful topping for cinnamon rolls, creating a delicious fruity twist on a classic treat.
This topping also adds a nice contrast in texture to the soft and fluffy rolls.
What’s more, the bright color makes the cinnamon rolls look even more appetizing!
Berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, make excellent compotes. You can also try other fruits, like apples or peaches, for a lighter flavor profile.
Here’s how to make a fruit compote:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh or frozen fruits Lemon juice | In a saucepan, combine sliced fruit and lemon juice. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes over medium heat. | You can either spoon the cooled fruit compote directly onto your cinnamon rolls or use it as a dip on the side. |
10. Orange Glaze
Another fruity option that works well with cinnamon rolls is an orange glaze. The bright citrus flavor balances the flavor of this sweet treat.
It also adds a sticky texture to the rolls. Plus, it's wonderful to pair with other cinnamon-flavored treats, such as cinnamon twists.
To make an orange glaze for your cinnamon rolls, try this three-ingredient recipe:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh orange juice Powdered sugar Cornstarch | Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over low heat until it reaches a thick consistency. | Drizzle the glaze over your warm cinnamon rolls. |
Savory and Surprising Toppings
Transform your cinnamon rolls into an even more delightful treat by adding some spicy and savory toppings.
Below you'll find three tasty suggestions to take your rolls to the next level.
11. Maple Bacon Crumbles
The sweet maple syrup mixed with crispy bacon adds a bit of saltiness and rich flavor that makes the sweet cinnamon rolls even more exciting.
Plus, the contrast between the soft rolls and the crunchy bacon is a fun texture surprise.
Try making maple bacon crumbles by following this recipe:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon Maple syrup | Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, and then break it into little pieces. | Pour some maple syrup on top of your cinnamon rolls and sprinkle the bacon crumbles over them. |
12. Chai Spice Icing
For something different that also smells wonderful, try chai spice icing!
Chai spice is a combination of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. This enhances the natural warmth and spiciness of cinnamon, creating a rich flavor.
You can make your own chai spice icing with the recipe below:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Strong-brewed chai tea Ground cinnamon Vanilla extract Powdered sugar | Simply mix all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. | Drizzle the chai spice icing over the freshly baked cinnamon rolls. |
13. Creamy Nut Butter Swirl
Next, there’s the creamy nut butter swirl. It adds a rich, nutty, slightly spicy twist to your cinnamon rolls.
Of course, nut butter is the most important ingredient in this recipe.
Now peanut butter is the most common ready-made kind that you can use for this topping, but if you want to use a different type, go ahead!
Create your very own nut butter swirl using this simple recipe:
| What You Need | How To Make | How To Use as a Cinnamon Roll Topping |
|---|---|---|
| Nut butter Softened unsalted butter Ground cinnamon | Combine the ingredients and warm the mixture for a short time in the microwave. | Create a beautiful pattern on your cinnamon rolls by swirling this creamy nut butter on top. |
Pro Tip: If you want to whip up your own nut butter, you can use almonds, pecans, or cashews.
Not sure how? Follow the four easy nut butter recipes in the video below:
Easy and Delicious No-Prep Toppings for Cinnamon Rolls
If you don’t have the time to make all the recipes listed above but still want to make your cinnamon rolls special, don’t worry!
Last on this list are the two easiest but equally delicious cinnamon roll toppings you can use.
14. Vanilla Ice Cream
The warm cinnamon rolls and the cool, creamy vanilla ice cream make a perfect pair.
When the ice cream melts a little, it turns into a sweet sauce that mixes with the cinnamon flavor.
Just plop a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm cinnamon roll, and you’re in for a comforting treat!
Pro Tip: If you want to mix things up, make birthday cake ice cream to go with your cinnamon rolls for a truly fun treat!
15. Powdered Sugar
While powdered sugar is commonly added as an ingredient for cinnamon roll toppings, it can also be used as is!
Sprinkling powdered sugar on cinnamon rolls is like adding a snowy, sweet touch to your pastry.
Simply dust it on top of your slightly cooled rolls for a simple and tasty upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is the Best Time To Add Toppings to Cinnamon Rolls?
The best time to apply icing on cinnamon rolls is when they are fresh from the oven and still warm.
This allows the icing to melt slightly and soak into the rolls, enhancing their flavor and creating a gooey texture.
Are There Any Toppings That Are Not Recommended for Cinnamon Rolls?
Try to avoid toppings that are too thick, such as custard and heavy cream. These can make the rolls dense or soggy.
Other toppings you should avoid are those with strong flavors, such as tangy cheeses and savory condiments, because these may clash with the sweet and spiced flavor of your cinnamon rolls.
Have Fun Creating Toppings for Your Cinnamon Rolls!
Cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but you can make them even more tasty by adding some special toppings.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your perfect cinnamon roll experience.
Whether you prefer the smoothness of classic cream cheese frosting, the crunch of crushed nuts, or the salty surprise of bacon crumbles, there are plenty of options to personalize your sweet treat.
