Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here’s a heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth recipe for Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting—perfectly spiced, buttery, and topped with a tangy-sweet glaze. Ideal for lazy weekends or holiday brunches!

Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep Time: 30 mins (+1.5–2 hrs rise) | Cook Time: 25 mins | Makes: 12 rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra fluff)

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)

• ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg, room temperature

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (115g) softened butter

• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar

• 2 tbsp cinnamon

• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

   • In a bowl, whisk 1.5 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

   • Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg; mix until smooth.

   • Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.

   • Knead for 5 mins (by hand or mixer) until elastic.

   • Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hrs until doubled.

2. Prepare Filling:

   • Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts in a bowl.

3. Shape the Rolls:

   • Roll risen dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.

   • Spread filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.

   • Roll tightly from the long side, pinch seam to seal, and cut into 12 slices.

   • Place in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and rise 30–45 mins until puffy.

4. Bake:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Bake 20–25 mins until golden. Cool slightly.

5. Frosting:

   • Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

   • Spread over warm rolls.

Tips for Perfection:

• Extra fluffy: Replace ½ cup milk with buttermilk.

• Overnight option: Refrigerate shaped rolls overnight; bake in the morning.

• Sticky bun twist: Add ½ cup maple syrup to the pan before baking.

These rolls are pillowy, nutty, and irresistibly aromatic—best enjoyed fresh with coffee! ☕✨

Want a glaze variation? Try orange zest in the frosting or a caramel drizzle!