A frosting glaze, which runs down the sides of baked goods (unlike regular icing which makes a thick layer on top) adds just a bit of sweetness. It also acts as “glue” for decorating with sprinkles, nuts, and coconut. Orange and Cinnamon rolls, bundt and tube cakes, tarts, coffee cakes, and cookies are often enhanced with a glaze. What follows are a Rich Frosting Glaze, an Orange glaze for hot Orange Rolls, and a Vanilla Glaze for hot Cinnamon Rolls.

It’s helpful to sift the powdered sugar if it is lumpy, and if you have time. The Rich Frosting Glaze should be thick enough to coat a spoon, but thin enough to slowly run off when the spoon is held up; the point is to run to the edges and a bit down the sides of the baked item without completely running off (this glaze is pictured on Pumpkin Napoleons). The Orange and Vanilla Glazes will have the consistency of soft whipped cream rather than being runny, since they will melt onto the hot rolls.

Basic Rich Frosting Glaze

Makes 2 cups or 18 Servings at 2 tablespoons each

3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/3 to 1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon extract, (flavor of your choice)

1. Whisk together the powdered sugar, softened butter, and enough whipping cream to make a glaze similar to the consistency of pancake batter.


2. The glaze should be thick enough to coat a spoon, but thin enough to run slowly so that it will cover the baked item and partially run down the sides.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 107 Calories from Fat 26
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 25% Protein 0% Carb. 75%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 3 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 10 mg
Sodium 15 mg
Total Carbohydrate 20 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 0 g

Vitamin A 2% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 0%

Orange Glaze

2 cups glaze or enough to frost 24-36 Orange Rolls

3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
2 to 3 tablespoons milk

1. Whisk together the powdered sugar, softened butter, and orange juice until smooth. Add enough milk to make it very light.


2. Spread the glaze on orange rolls hot from the oven; because of the high butter content, the glaze will melt and soak into the rolls.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 96 Calories from Fat 35
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 36% Protein 0% Carb. 63%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 4 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 11 mg
Sodium 40 mg
Total Carbohydrate 15 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 0 g

Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 1% Calcium 0% Iron 0%

Vanilla Glaze

2 cups glaze or enough to glaze 24-36 cinnamon rolls

3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup softened butter
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk

1. Whisk together the powdered sugar, softened butter, and 1/4 cup milk until very smooth.


2. Add enough additional milk to make the mixture very light.


3. Spread the glaze on cinnamon rolls hot from the oven; because of the high butter content, the glaze will melt and soak into the rolls.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 96 Calories from Fat 35
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 37% Protein 1% Carb. 63%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 4 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 11 mg
Sodium 41 mg
Total Carbohydrate 15 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 0 g

Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 0%