Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

 

 Description

These Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls are rich, tender, and perfectly sweet, filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and crunchy walnuts, then topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Made with a soft homemade yeast dough, these rolls are ideal for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or special occasions. Every bite is warm, comforting, and absolutely irresistible.

 Preparation Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Active Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

 Ingredients

Dough:

• 7 Tbsp (80 g) sugar – Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast
• 1 tsp (4 g) dry yeast – Helps the dough rise
• 1 cup (250 ml) lukewarm milk – Creates a soft, tender dough
• 1 egg – Adds richness and structure
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil – Keeps the rolls moist
• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour – Base of the dough
• 1 tsp (4 g) salt – Balances the sweetness

Filling:

• ⅓ cup (80 g) butter, softened – Rich and flavorful base
• ½ cup (80 g) sugar – Sweetens the filling
• Cinnamon, to taste – Warm and aromatic
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional but recommended) – Adds crunch and nuttiness

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 Tbsp butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 Tbsp milk (as needed)

 Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

• In a bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and dry yeast.
• Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Tip: If the yeast doesn’t foam, the milk may be too hot or the yeast expired.

2. Make the Dough

• Add the egg and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture.
• Gradually mix in the flour and salt.
• Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly elastic.

3. First Rise

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
• Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Filling

• In a bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
• Stir until well combined.
• Fold in chopped walnuts if using.

5. Shape the Rolls

• Roll the dough into a large rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
• Spread the cinnamon-butter filling evenly over the surface.
• Roll tightly from the long side into a log.
• Cut into 10–12 equal rolls.

6. Second Rise

• Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish.
• Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.

7. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.

8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
• Mix in milk gradually until creamy and spreadable.

9. Frost and Serve

• Spread frosting over warm rolls so it melts slightly.
• Serve fresh and enjoy!

 Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Use lukewarm milk, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Don’t over-flour the dough—soft dough = fluffy rolls.
• Frost while warm for the best texture.
• Add raisins or pecans for variation.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely. Freeze baked (unfrosted) rolls for up to 2 months.

Can I skip walnuts?
Yes, they’re optional. The rolls are delicious without them.

 Perfect For:

• Breakfast & brunch
• Holidays and special occasions
• Family gatherings
• Coffee and tea time