Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting – A Cozy Treat
Soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls with cream cheese frosting are the perfect indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Made with a light and airy dough, these rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture, complemented by crunchy walnuts for texture. The heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply irresistible.
Drizzled with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cinnamon-walnut rolls strike the perfect balance between sweet, rich, and nutty flavors. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or warmed up for a late-night snack, they consistently deliver a comforting, homemade experience.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Buttery dough with a rich, cinnamon-laced filling and nutty crunch
- Texture: Soft, pillowy rolls contrasted with a crunchy walnut filling
- Aroma: Warm cinnamon, toasted walnuts, and fresh-baked bread
- Visual Appeal: Golden brown, swirled rolls drizzled in smooth cream cheese frosting
- Skill Level Needed: Requires basic dough-making and rolling techniques
- Special Equipment: Rolling pin, baking dish, stand mixer (optional)
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate – Basic dough-making and rolling skills required
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Brunch
- Cuisine: American with European influences
- Cost: Moderate – Uses common pantry ingredients
- Season: Perfect for fall, winter, and holiday baking
- Occasion: Holiday mornings, weekend treats, special breakfasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls with cream cheese frosting offer a perfect blend of textures ranging from pillowy dough to the crunchy walnuts embedded in the sweet filling. With a beautifully swirled structure, they not only look stunning but also taste irresistible.
The preparation is straightforward, and while the dough requires some proofing, the hands-on time is minimal. These rolls can even be made ahead of time for easy baking in the morning, making them convenient for entertaining.
Nutritionally, walnuts provide a boost of healthy fats and antioxidants, while cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. The balance of flavors means you get a delightful treat that’s also packed with subtle health benefits.
Hosting brunch or a family gathering? These cinnamon-walnut rolls are a crowd-pleaser. Serve them warm with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa to create a cozy, memorable moment.
Despite their gourmet appeal, this recipe is highly accessible, with ingredients commonly found in any kitchen. Whether for a special breakfast or a delicious homemade dessert, these rolls check all the right boxes.
The Recipe
Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serves: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Baking dish
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Spatula
- Knife for cutting rolls
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, melted butter, and beaten egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
- Spread melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare frosting by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Let rolls cool for 5 minutes, then spread frosting generously.
- Serve while warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- To make ahead, refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight and bake in the morning.
- For extra richness, add a hint of nutmeg to the filling.
- Substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred.
