Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a decadent treat that combines warm, fluffy rolls with a sweet cinnamon filling, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy frosting. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a special, indulgent snack.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon-Walnut Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or more if desired)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top of the milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix everything together until it forms a dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough.
- Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover 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:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon-walnut filling. In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts together until well combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon-walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
- Slice the log into 12 even pieces (you can use dental floss to make clean cuts).
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them closely together.
4. Second Rise:
- Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
5. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly while you make the frosting.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
7. Frost the Rolls:
- Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
8. Serve:
- Serve the Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls warm for the ultimate indulgence!
Tips:
- For an even fluffier texture, let the rolls rise a little longer during both the first and second rises.
- You can prepare the rolls the night before: Assemble the rolls, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise for 30 minutes before baking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of walnuts based on your preference. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can leave them out or substitute with other nuts, such as pecans.
These Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting will melt in your mouth and are perfect for treating yourself and your loved ones to something sweet and comforting. Enjoy!