Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
These cinnamon-walnut rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough filled with cinnamon sugar and toasted walnuts, topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (you can toast them for extra flavor)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (to adjust the frosting consistency)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, stir gently, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the butter and eggs to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined.
- Mix in the dry ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms. Once it comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this process.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Toast the walnuts (optional): In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. This step enhances their flavor and adds a bit of crunch to the rolls. Set them aside to cool.
3. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:
- Roll out the dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release air. On a floured surface, roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Evenly distribute the chopped walnuts over the cinnamon sugar.
- Roll up the dough: Starting from the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut the rolls: Slice the dough into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss (for a cleaner cut).
- Place in a baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, and arrange the rolls inside. They should be snug but not overly crowded. Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes or until they have puffed up.
4. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. The rolls should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness. Add the vanilla extract and milk to achieve the desired consistency (you want it thick but spreadable).
6. Frost the Rolls:
- Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool for about 5 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top. The frosting will melt slightly into the warm rolls, making them extra creamy and delicious.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls:
- Let the dough rise properly: The key to fluffy rolls is giving the dough plenty of time to rise, so don’t rush the process!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for the best texture in both the dough and frosting.
- Add extra flavor: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a little vanilla extract to the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra depth of flavor.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them overnight. Let them rise for about 30 minutes at room temperature before baking the next day.
Serving Suggestions:
- These rolls are best served warm, right after being frosted. You can enjoy them as a delicious breakfast, brunch treat, or a sweet dessert.
- If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.
Enjoy!
These soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate comfort food—warm, gooey, and perfectly spiced with a rich, creamy topping. Enjoy the zesty, cinnamon-sweet bliss!