ng="en">Cream Cheese Frosting (Thick & Tangy)
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Cream Cheese Frosting

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Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese Frosting
YieldAbout 2 cups (enough for a 9 x 13 in cake, 12 cinnamon rolls, or 24 cookies)
Prep10 minutes
LevelEasy
Nutrition facts ›
Texture goal
Thick, smooth, and tangy, spreadable but sturdy enough to hold soft swirls.

This cream cheese frosting is thick, tangy, and smooth, soft enough to swoop over warm cinnamon rolls and sturdy enough to hold its shape on cakes and cookies. It comes together in one bowl in about ten minutes.

Why you'll want it now, The tangy, thick frosting that makes cinnamon rolls, carrot cake, and cookies irresistible.

Why this recipe works

Beating softened butter and cream cheese before adding sugar keeps the frosting smooth instead of lumpy, and using powdered sugar (not granulated) dissolves cleanly for a silky finish. A pinch of salt cuts the sweetness so the tangy cream cheese flavor comes through.

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment (or hand mixer)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Sifter (optional)

How to make it

  1. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with the paddle attachment on medium until completely smooth and no lumps remain, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the vanilla and salt and beat to combine.
  3. With the mixer on low, add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, starting with 3 cups (360 g), beating smooth between additions.
  4. Check the consistency: for a thicker, pipeable frosting, beat in more powdered sugar up to 4 cups (480 g); for a softer glaze-style frosting for warm rolls, stop at 3 cups.
  5. Beat on medium-high for a final 30 seconds until light and fluffy, then spread or pipe.
Now go put it on something warm, cinnamon rolls are calling.

How you'll know it's ready

The frosting looks smooth, glossy, and holds a soft peak when you lift the beater. It shouldn't look grainy (beat longer) or slump off the spatula (add more powdered sugar).

Frosting, filling & glaze notes

For cinnamon rolls, keep it on the softer side (3 cups sugar) and spread while the rolls are warm so it melts in. For piping on cakes or cookies, use the full 4 cups and chill 15 minutes before piping so it holds sharp swirls.

Troubleshooting

  • Frosting too runny? Your cream cheese or butter was too warm, chill the bowl 15 minutes and beat in more powdered sugar.
  • Grainy or lumpy? The cream cheese wasn't fully softened. Beat the butter and cream cheese longer before adding sugar.
  • Too sweet? Add another pinch of salt and a teaspoon of lemon juice to sharpen the tang.
  • Won't hold a piped shape? Add powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time and refrigerate briefly before piping.

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Because it contains cream cheese, keep frosted desserts refrigerated. Let it sit at room temperature 20 minutes and re-whip before using.

Make ahead

Make it up to 5 days ahead and refrigerate. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight and re-whip until smooth.

Variations

Frequently asked questions

How do I make cream cheese frosting thicker?
Beat in more powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Starting with cold, softened (not warm) cream cheese and butter also keeps it thick.
Why is my cream cheese frosting runny?
The cream cheese or butter was too warm, or there wasn't enough powdered sugar. Chill the bowl and beat in more sugar until it holds a soft peak.
Does cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?
Yes. It's fine at room temperature for a couple of hours while serving, but store frosted desserts in the fridge.
Can I make cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months, then re-whip until smooth before using.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving: 1 tablespoon (15 g)
Calories90
Total Fat6 g
Saturated Fat4 g
Cholesterol20 mg
Sodium20 mg
Total Carbohydrate9 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars9 g
Protein1 g

Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients used and may vary depending on brands and exact measurements.

Recipe from softsweetdough.com · Soft, sweet desserts worth every bite.