Simple Cinnamon Glaze [5 Minute Recipe]
Warm cinnamon, buttery richness, and a smooth, glossy finish.
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This smooth, buttery cinnamon glaze is the perfect finishing touch for everything from cinnamon rolls through coffee cakes to apple scones. With just a few simple ingredients, it adds warm spice and a glossy drizzle to your favorite baked goods.
Recipe Info
This recipe is:
- Simple yet flavorful. It’s a rich, slightly buttery cinnamon glaze that adds warm spice and a smooth, glossy finish to your baked goods.
- Easy to adjust. You can tweak the consistency with small amounts of milk or powdered sugar to get the perfect drizzle.
- Ideal for a variety of treats. Great for cinnamon rolls, donuts, coffee cakes, scones—even eclairs. It pairs exceptionally well with apple, pumpkin, and vanilla flavors.
Making this cinnamon glaze for the first time? Read the ingredient notes, step-by-step instructions, and tips. If you already know the recipe, feel free to jump straight to the recipe card.
Ingredients and Substitutes
- Cinnamon. Our primary source of flavor.
- Powdered sugar. The base of the glaze.
- Butter. A little melted butter boosts the flavor.
- Salt. A pinch enhances the taste. Skip this if using salted butter.
- Milk. Full-fat is my go-to, but low-fat or skim works fine.
- Vanilla extract. Adds a nice flavor boost, but it’s optional. It won’t make or break the recipe.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cinnamon Glaze
- Melt the butter. Melt it on the stove or in the microwave. Try not to let it boil.
- Combine dry ingredients. Mix powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy) and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract. The mixture should be quite thick. If it’s super lumpy with dry spots, add milk ¼ teaspoon at a time until it’s uniform but still thick.
- Mix in melted butter. Pour in the melted butter and stir. The glaze will likely thicken a bit at this point.
- Adjust to the consistency you need. If it’s too thick or lumpy (which is likely), add milk in tiny increments—about 1/8 teaspoon at a time—until smooth. If it becomes too thin, add more powdered sugar until it’s drizzly but not runny.
- Add salt to taste. Add a pinch, mix, taste, and repeat until you’re happy with the flavor.
- Use immediately. Drizzle it on your baked goods or use it for dipping. Make sure everything is cool before glazing.
FAQ
Similar Recipes to Try
Looking for more? Check out these recipes:
- Powdered sugar glaze. The basic formula for all powdered sugar glazes. Just powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla.
- Maple glaze. A simple powdered sugar–based glaze made with maple syrup. Exactly as tasty as it sounds.
- Brown butter glaze. A bit more work because you have to brown the butter, but the flavor is totally worth it.
- Earl Grey glaze. It may sound fancy, but it’s super easy—perfect for tea lovers.
Servings: 0.33 cup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/3 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/3 tablespoons butter
- pinch salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter. Melt on the stove or in the microwave without boiling.
- Mix dry ingredients. Combine powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy) and cinnamon.1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Add milk and vanilla. Stir until thick but uniform. If dry spots remain, add milk ¼ teaspoon at a time.1 1/3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mix in melted butter. Stir it in; the glaze will thicken.1 1/3 tablespoons butter
- Adjust consistency. If too thick or lumpy, add milk in tiny amounts. If too thin, add powdered sugar. The glaze should drizzle but not run.
- Add salt to taste. Mix in a pinch at a time, tasting as you go.pinch salt
- Use immediately. Drizzle or dip. Ensure baked goods are cool before glazing.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!