These Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are pure comfort in pastry form. Buttery dough is swirled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and crunchy walnuts, then baked until golden and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday mornings, weekend baking, or special family breakfasts, these rolls are soft, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is for bakers who love homemade cinnamon rolls but want an elevated twist with walnuts and tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for family gatherings, brunch with friends, or anyone who wants to fill their kitchen with the sweet smell of freshly baked rolls.
Why You’ll Love It
- Extra soft and pillowy dough.
- Gooey cinnamon-sugar filling with a nutty crunch.
- Luscious cream cheese frosting that melts into the warm rolls.
- Ideal for holidays, brunches, or weekend baking projects.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the dough
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add eggs and melted butter. Mix in flour and salt until dough forms. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.
- Prepare the filling
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.
- Assemble the rolls
- Roll dough into a rectangle (about 14×18 inches). Spread filling evenly, sprinkle walnuts, then roll tightly into a log. Slice into 12 rolls and place in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes.
- Bake until golden
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and fluffy.
- Make the frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Thin with milk if needed.
- Frost and serve
- Spread frosting over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls. Serve immediately.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Knife or dental floss (for cutting rolls evenly)
Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked rolls (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
- Reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked softness.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next morning.
Q: Can I swap the walnuts?
Absolutely—pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts are delicious alternatives.
Q: Can I make them without nuts?
Yes—skip the walnuts for classic cinnamon rolls.
Conclusion
These Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and creamy. With pillowy dough, gooey filling, and decadent frosting, they’re the ultimate holiday brunch recipe or weekend baking treat.
Enjoy !!!
