Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

by

Yield

12 rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2¼ tsp dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup melted butter (unsalted)
  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Walnut Filling

  • ½ cup soft butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tbsp butter, softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  1. Pour warm milk into a bowl.
  2. Add yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
  3. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  1. Add remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt.
  2. Mix well.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until dough forms.
  4. Knead for 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

  1. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl.
  2. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, until doubled.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

  1. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
  2. Chop walnuts finely (or medium for crunch).

Step 5: Roll & Fill

  1. Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  2. Spread soft butter evenly.
  3. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly.
  4. Add chopped walnuts.

Step 6: Shape the Rolls

  1. Roll dough tightly from the long side.
  2. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
  3. Place in a greased baking dish.

Step 7: Second Rise

  1. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 8: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
  2. Bake for 22–25 minutes until lightly golden.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 9: Make the Frosting

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
  3. Add milk gradually until creamy and spreadable.

Step 10: Frost & Serve

  1. Spread frosting over warm rolls.
  2. Let it melt into every swirl.
  3. Serve soft, fluffy, and irresistible 😍

Pro Tips

  • For extra softness: cover rolls with foil during last 5 minutes if browning too fast.
  • For overnight rolls: refrigerate after shaping, bake fresh in the morning.
  • Walnuts can be toasted lightly for deeper flavor.

If you want:

  • No-knead version
  • Air fryer version
  • Extra gooey bakery-style rolls

Just tell me 🍥✨

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