Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Warm, Gooey, Nutty & Irresistible
These cinnamon-walnut rolls are ultra-soft, lightly sweet, and filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl and crunchy walnuts. Finished with smooth cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or anytime you crave something comforting and indulgent.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4–4½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon-Walnut Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
🥣 Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine:
- Warm milk
- Sugar
- Yeast
Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add to the yeast mixture:
- Eggs
- Melted butter
- Salt
Mix well.
Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead
Knead dough on a floured surface 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic
(or in a stand mixer 5–7 minutes).
Step 4: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl.
Cover and let rise in a warm place 1–1½ hours until doubled.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix:
- Softened butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg (optional)
- Chopped walnuts
Step 6: Roll & Fill
Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
Spread filling evenly over dough.
Step 7: Shape the Rolls
Roll tightly into a log.
Slice into 12 rolls.
Place in a greased baking dish.
Step 8: Second Rise
Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
🧁 Make the Frosting
Beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla
Add milk gradually until smooth and spreadable.
Step 10: Frost & Serve
Spread frosting over warm rolls.
Serve immediately.
🍽️ Storage & Freezing
- Room temp: 2 days
- Fridge: 5 days
- Freeze baked rolls: 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave or oven
💡 Tips & Variations
- Toast walnuts for deeper flavor
- Add raisins or apple bits
- Use pecans instead of walnuts
- Add orange zest to frosting
- Make overnight dough
- Double frosting for extra gooey rolls
⭐ Final Thoughts
These Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls are tender, nutty, and generously frosted—pure comfort in every bite. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or cozy weekends.
Once you bake them, your kitchen will smell like heaven 🥐🍂
