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
Scale
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.
