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Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

This homemade cinnamon buttercream frosting is smooth, creamy, and filled with warm cinnamon spice for a cozy homemade flavor. Whether you're frosting spice cakes, pumpkin desserts, cupcakes, cookies, or other baked treats, this easy buttercream adds the perfect finishing touch.

Contributor: Uncle Darin
Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

Prep

10 min

Cook

0 min

Temp

No cook

Yield

24 servings

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
  • 2½ cups powdered sugar, measured then sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½–1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, more or less as needed

Instructions

  1. Step 1
    1

    Cream the butter and add the flavor – In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, then mix on low speed until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

  2. Step 2
    2

    Add the powdered sugar – Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully combined and smooth.

  3. Step 3
    3

    Adjust the consistency – Add heavy cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a thick, creamy consistency that holds its shape. If desired, taste and add a small pinch of salt.

  4. Step 4
    4

    Finish the frosting – Beat the frosting on medium-high speed for another 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and airy. Stir gently with a spatula to remove large air pockets, then spread or pipe onto cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or other cooled desserts.

Tips & Variations

  • Stronger Spice – Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a warm spiced frosting perfect for fall desserts.
  • Maple Cinnamon – Replace the vanilla with 1 teaspoon of maple extract for a cozy maple-cinnamon twist.
  • Add Color – Gel food coloring creates vibrant colors without thinning the frosting.
  • Decorating Tools – An offset spatula makes it easier to spread frosting smoothly on cakes, while a piping bag fitted with your favorite decorating tip creates beautiful swirls and borders.
  • Storage – Refrigerate leftover frosting in an airtight container. Bring it to room temperature, then beat briefly before using.