Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, then get ready to meet their ultimate upgrade: Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting. These rolls are soft, buttery, and packed with a sweet cinnamon-walnut filling that’ll make your taste buds sing. And just when you think they couldn’t get any better, a decadent swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting takes them to the next level.

Picture this: A warm, gooey cinnamon roll straight out of the oven, the aroma filling your kitchen, and a smooth, creamy frosting melting into every fold of the roll. Whether you’re treating yourself to a weekend breakfast or sharing these with family and friends, these rolls are sure to steal the show. Trust me, they’re everything you’ve been dreaming of and more.

Why You’ll Love Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

These cinnamon-walnut rolls are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a celebration of flavor. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for them:

Soft, Fluffy, and Buttery

The dough for these rolls is perfectly soft and pillowy, with just the right amount of butter for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. You won’t believe how tender they are until you bite into one!

Crunchy Walnut Filling

The cinnamon-walnut filling adds a crunchy, nutty surprise in every bite. The combination of cinnamon and toasted walnuts gives these rolls a rich, deep flavor that’s just irresistible.

Cream Cheese Frosting

And then there’s the cream cheese frosting—the ultimate finishing touch. Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-creamy, it takes these rolls from delicious to downright decadent.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving them for a special brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just because you deserve something special, these rolls are perfect for any occasion.

Easy to Make (But Looks Impressive)

Even though these rolls look and taste like they came from a fancy bakery, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a little time and love, you’ll be able to create these mouthwatering rolls in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

These cinnamon-walnut rolls are made with simple ingredients that come together to create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for your soft, fluffy dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and become light and airy.
• Milk: Provides moisture and a rich texture to the dough.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor.

For the Cinnamon-Walnut Filling:

• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Ground Cinnamon: The spice that gives these rolls that signature cinnamon flavor.
• Chopped Walnuts: Adds crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the filling.
• Butter: Helps hold the filling together and adds richness.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: The base of the frosting—creamy, tangy, and luscious.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps make the frosting smooth and velvety.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and flavor to the frosting.
• Milk: Helps adjust the consistency of the frosting for easy spreading.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making these fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls is a fun process that’s totally worth the time and effort. Let’s break it down!

Make the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and add the yeast along with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Make the Cinnamon-Walnut Filling

1. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.
2. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
3. Add the Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar-walnut mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Shape the Rolls

1. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
2. Slice the Rolls: Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 12 even slices. Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they’ve puffed up.

Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
3. Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before frosting.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Mix the Frosting: While the rolls are cooling, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until smooth and creamy.
2. Frost the Rolls: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. The frosting will melt into the rolls, making them even more irresistible.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 rolls
Calories per serving: 300-350 calories (depending on size and frosting)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rise time)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1.5-2 hours (including rise times)

How to Serve Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

These cinnamon-walnut rolls are delicious served warm, straight from the oven, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy them:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve these rolls as a sweet addition to your brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, eggs, and coffee.
• As a Dessert: Top these rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
• With Coffee or Tea: The rich, cinnamon flavor pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea—perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.

Additional Tips

• Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place: For the best results, let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in an oven with just the light on.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake to ensure they don’t overbake. They should be golden brown and soft to the touch.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest frosting and dough, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before using them.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different nut in the filling?

A1: Yes! You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor and texture.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

Q3: Can I freeze the rolls before baking?

A3: Yes! After you’ve sliced the rolls and placed them in the baking dish, cover and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Q4: How should I store leftover rolls?

A4: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q5: Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?

A5: Absolutely! You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix and knead the dough. It will save you a bit of time and effort.

Q6: Can I use a different frosting?

A6: If you prefer, you can use a vanilla glaze or chocolate frosting, but the cream cheese frosting really makes these rolls extra special.

Q7: How do I make the frosting thicker?

A7: If you prefer thicker frosting, you can add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Q8: Can I make mini rolls instead of full-sized ones?

A8: Yes! You can cut the dough into smaller pieces to make mini cinnamon rolls. Just adjust the baking time to about 15-20 minutes.

Q9: How do I know when the rolls are done?

A9: The rolls should be golden brown on top and feel soft to the touch. If a toothpick comes out clean (avoiding the frosting), they’re done.

Q10: Can I skip the nuts in the filling?

A10: Yes! If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have a nut allergy

you can skip them altogether or substitute them with another ingredient like raisins or chocolate chips.Enjoy your warm, gooey, and perfectly frosted cinnamon-walnut rolls! They’re sure to be a hit with anyone lucky enough to try them.

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