Recipes

Soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut Rolls with cream cheese frosting

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 🥐🍂

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