If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that’s both tender and packed with flavor, you must try this Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These rolls are delightfully soft and airy, with the perfect balance of warm cinnamon spice and crunchy walnuts, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts into every crevice. Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe promises to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and offer a comforting bite every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, blending simple pantry staples into a magical dough that’s soft yet structured, sweet and nutty, finished with a spread of creamy frosting that brings it all together.
- Warm milk (1 cup): Acts as the perfect cozy environment for activating the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Essential for making the dough rise beautifully and become fluffy.
- Granulated sugar (â…“ cup): Feeds the yeast and subtly sweetens the dough itself.
- Large eggs, room temperature (2): Help enrich the dough’s structure and deliver tenderness.
- Melted unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the rolls.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (4 ½ cups plus extra for dusting): The backbone of the dough, providing the structure and chew.
- Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): The sweet heart of the filling, offering a deep molasses note.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Fills every bite with warm, comforting spice.
- Chopped walnuts (1 ½ cups): Sprinkle in delightful crunch and a nutty earthiness to complement the cinnamon.
- Softened unsalted butter for filling (5 tablespoons): Helps the cinnamon sugar and nuts stick and adds creaminess.
- Softened cream cheese (4 oz): The star of the frosting, lending tang and smoothness.
- Softened unsalted butter for frosting (2 tablespoons): Makes the frosting silky and rich.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting without any grit.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle fragrant depth to the frosting.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons as needed): Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix Dough
Start by warming your milk to about 110°F, just right to wake up the yeast without killing it. Combine it with the yeast in a large bowl and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until a bubbly foam forms on top—this is the sign your yeast is alive and kicking! Then add in the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix everything well to combine the flavors before gradually stirring in the flour until a sticky dough begins to form.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface or use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth, elastic, and just slightly tacky to the touch. This kneading process develops the gluten, which is what’ll make your rolls soft and chewy after baking.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and set it somewhere warm. Let it rise undisturbed for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This rise is crucial as it puffs the dough up and develops flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This blend of sweet and spice creates the familiar warm filling we all adore. Have your softened butter ready to spread on the dough later and chop the walnuts so they’re prepped and ready.
Step 5: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Once the dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top. Scatter the chopped walnuts over the sugar, making sure every bite will have that nutty surprise.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edge with a little water or extra butter if needed. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 12 equal slices. Place these slices into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them evenly and snugly.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the pan and leave the rolls to rise again for 30 to 40 minutes. This final proof gives the rolls their signature fluffiness and ensures they bake up light and tender.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the risen rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on top. Watching them rise and brown in the oven is one of the best parts of the process—your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and then add milk little by little until the frosting reaches a spreadable, velvety texture. This frosting is tangy and sweet, the perfect finish for these rolls.
Step 10: Frost and Serve
Spread the cream cheese frosting on top of the warm rolls right after they come out of the oven, allowing it to melt into every swirl and nook. This final step transforms them from delicious to utterly divine.
How to Serve Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle some crushed walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting. A few fresh mint leaves or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the rolls for a crowd or special occasion.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte. If you want to add a bit more to your breakfast spread, try some fresh fruit salad or a bowl of creamy yogurt—both help balance the richness of the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls on a rustic wooden board alongside small dishes of extra frosting and nuts for dipping or topping. You could also slice them in half horizontally and layer with cream cheese frosting and extra walnuts for a decadent cinnamon-walnut roll sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, they store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best texture, reheat gently before serving to bring back that fresh-baked softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting and placing them in the baking dish. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and allow a final rise before baking.
Reheating
To revive the rolls, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave a single roll for 20 to 30 seconds. Warmed this way, they taste as fresh and heavenly as the first day out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans for walnuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Pecans work beautifully and offer a slightly sweeter, buttery crunch that complements the cinnamon filling perfectly. Use the same amount as walnuts.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the frosting?
The cream cheese adds a lovely tang and creaminess that cuts through the sweetness of the rolls. If you prefer, you could use a simple powdered sugar glaze, but the classic cream cheese frosting is what makes this recipe truly stand out.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge after shaping the rolls in the pan. Just bring them to room temperature before the second rise and baking.
What’s the best way to get fluffy rolls?
Be sure to knead the dough well to develop gluten and allow both rises fully. The proper temperature of your milk to activate the yeast also makes a big difference in fluffiness.
Can I omit the nuts if I have allergies?
Definitely. The rolls will still be soft and flavorful without nuts. You might want to add a bit more cinnamon sugar filling or sprinkle some raisins for added texture instead.
Final Thoughts
Making Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe at home is one of those joyful kitchen experiences where the results bring smiles and warmth to any table. These rolls are the perfect project for a weekend morning or a special occasion, filling your home with sweet cinnamon and nutty goodness. I encourage you to dive in, bake a batch, and share a little slice of happiness with your loved ones. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful breakfast or dessert treat featuring soft, tender dough filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar and walnut mixture, baked to golden perfection and topped with a rich, creamy frosting.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, for filling)
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for frosting)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Prepare Dough: Add granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing with a dough hook or by hand, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface or using a mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle approximately 16×12 inches.
- Add Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture and chopped walnuts over the buttered dough.
- Form Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log shape. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Frost Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls just before serving for a creamy, delicious finish.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them in the pan after slicing. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking the next day.
- Substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred, or omit nuts for a smoother cinnamon filling.
