Few things in the world of baking can compete with the joy of a warm, homemade cinnamon roll, fresh from the oven. The combination of fragrant cinnamon, the satisfying crunch of walnuts, and the luxurious cream cheese frosting makes these Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls a true delight. These rolls are not only incredibly tender but also packed with rich, spiced flavor that makes them perfect for any time of day, whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion.
The best part? They’re easier to make than you think, with a step-by-step process that takes you from mixing the dough to the finishing touch of frosting in just a few hours.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavor and texture. The soft, pillowy dough complements the warm cinnamon filling, and the walnuts add just the right amount of crunch. The cream cheese frosting is the crowning glory, delivering a tangy sweetness that ties everything together. It’s a versatile recipe, too—while the rolls are heavenly on their own, they can also be customized with different fillings or glazes. Plus, they make an excellent make-ahead treat for holiday mornings or family gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup water (if needed)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (optional)
Instructions :
1. Make the Dough: Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Stir, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The yeast should become foamy and bubbly, indicating it’s ready. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be inactive, so you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Using a wooden spoon or the dough hook of a stand mixer, mix until the dough begins to come together.
If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it seems too dry, add water, one tablespoon at a time. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, either by hand on a lightly floured surface or in the mixer, until it’s soft, smooth, and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Preparing the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts. This mixture will provide the rolls with their signature sweet, nutty flavor. Set it aside.
3. Shaping the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured work surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches and about ¼ inch thick.
Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar-walnut mixture evenly over the butter. The butter acts as a binder, ensuring the cinnamon mixture clings to the dough and creating that delicious gooey center once baked.
Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal pieces. To get perfect, even slices, dental floss or a very sharp serrated knife works wonders without squishing the dough.
4. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls, cut side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure to leave a little space between each roll as they will expand during the second rise. Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen and look beautifully puffed, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Be sure to check the rolls around the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking, as this could make them dry.
6. Making the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, one-third at a time, to avoid any lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor. If the frosting seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Frost and Serve: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top while they are still warm. The heat from the rolls will melt the frosting slightly, allowing it to seep into all the crevices, creating a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy.
Serve the rolls warm for the best experience. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon-walnut rolls are a guaranteed hit.
Conclusion :
These Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a labor of love that results in a delicious reward. The combination of soft dough, rich cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, all topped with velvety cream cheese frosting, makes every bite a perfect mix of textures and flavors.
They’re a great way to elevate a cozy morning or add a touch of sweetness to any gathering. Plus, with a little planning, they can easily be prepared ahead of time. So, why not try making them for your next family brunch or a cozy weekend at home? You won’t be disappointed!
Source of the picture : Barbara O’Neill Lectures
