For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3½–4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts, toasted
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional, for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, 3½ cups of flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface (adding more flour as needed) for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter, followed by the toasted walnuts.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
4. Let the Rolls Rise
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan, leaving space between them.
- Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy and fluffy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Frost & Serve
- Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
- Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, nutty, and creamy goodness!
Tips for Success
- Toast the Walnuts: Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a subtle crunch to the rolls.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the filling—it might leak out during baking.
- Make Ahead: After assembling the rolls, cover the pan and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
These Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls are a masterclass in balance—soft, fluffy dough meets the warm spice of cinnamon, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the creamy tang of cream cheese frosting. The result is a symphony of textures and flavors that satisfies every craving. Plus, their make-ahead option makes them perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
Conclusion: A Treat Worth Savoring
Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend breakfast, or just because, these Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are guaranteed to impress. Their pillowy texture, nutty crunch, and decadent frosting make them a standout treat that everyone will love. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us in your photos or share your favorite variations—your twist on these rolls might just inspire others to try them too! 🍂✨