If you crave a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a warm hug, these Fluffy Cinnamon Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender, pillowy rolls brimming with a cinnamon and walnut filling, baked to golden perfection, and crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that beautifully balances sweetness. Whether you’re serving them up for a special breakfast, holiday brunch, or an indulgent dessert, these rolls deliver a homemade charm that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create such an unforgettable flavor and texture. Every component in this recipe plays a vital role—from the flour that gives structure to the dough, to the cinnamon and walnuts that add warmth and crunch, all topped off by a dreamy cream cheese frosting for that perfect finishing touch.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing the perfect balance for softness and structure.
- Active dry yeast: The magical agent that gives these rolls their glorious fluffiness by making the dough rise.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right, enhancing browning during baking.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender texture in both dough and filling.
- Large egg: Contributes to richness and helps bind the dough.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Brown sugar: Packed to ensure the cinnamon filling delivers deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The warm, spicy star that gives the filling its signature flavor.
- Chopped walnuts: Provide delightful crunch and earthy flavor contrast in every bite.
- Cream cheese: The tangy base for the creamy frosting that makes these rolls completely irresistible.
- Powdered sugar: Sweet and smooth, perfect for creating that luscious frosting texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic sweetness to the frosting.
- Milk: Used sparingly to thin the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
How to Make Fluffy Cinnamon Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast with warm milk and sugar. Let it bubble and foam, signaling that your dough is about to get wonderfully light and fluffy. Then add softened butter, egg, and salt before gradually incorporating the flour. Knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough—this is key to achieving that pillow-soft texture we all adore. Cover it up and let it rise until it doubles, filling your kitchen with the promise of something delicious.
Step 2: Roll Out and Add Filling
Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a generous rectangle. Spread softened butter all over, then sprinkle a fragrant mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of crunchy chopped walnuts. Every bite gets a perfect balance of soft, sweet, and crunchy textures.
Step 3: Shape and Slice Rolls
From the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and seal the seam well. Then, slice the log into 12 even rolls. This part feels like a mini victory as you witness the beautiful swirls of cinnamon goodness inside each piece.
Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise Again
Arrange the rolls snugly in a greased baking dish, cover them, and allow them to rise once more. This second rise is crucial—it makes the rolls light and fluffy, not dense or tough. It also gives the cinnamon sugar and walnuts time to marry beautifully with the dough.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Into a preheated 350°F oven they go, baking for 22 to 25 minutes until they’re golden and irresistible. The smell alone will have you hovering by the oven door, eagerly awaiting their debut.
Step 6: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls cool slightly, whip up your cream cheese frosting. Blend softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add a splash of milk if needed until it’s luscious and spreadable. Smother the warm rolls in this frosting—this step takes them from special to downright divine.
How to Serve Fluffy Cinnamon Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, garnishing the rolls with a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts adds a touch of crunch and a rustic look. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey over the frosting can also make these beauties shine even brighter on the table.
Side Dishes
These rolls are rich and flavorful enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples offers a refreshing balance. A cup of strong coffee or spiced chai perfectly complements the cinnamon and cream cheese flavors, turning your meal into an experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rolls in individual ramekins for a charming, single-serve presentation. Alternatively, layering them in a stunning stacked tower on a wooden board or tray creates an impressive centerpiece for brunch gatherings. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine also makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cinnamon walnut rolls stay soft and delicious for up to two days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, cover them well to prevent drying out and enjoy at room temperature or gently warmed.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and allow a final rise at room temperature before baking. Alternatively, freeze fully baked and frosted rolls and thaw gently before serving.
Reheating
Reheat your cinnamon walnut rolls by placing them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, tented with foil to keep them moist. Alternatively, microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds for a quick, soft warmth that revives their fresh-from-the-oven appeal.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts work wonderfully and add their own unique crunch and flavor. Just toast them lightly to maximize aroma before adding.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
If cream cheese is not on hand, you can try a simple butter glaze made with butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. While it won’t have the same tang, it’s still delicious.
How do I ensure my rolls come out fluffy and not dense?
Using fresh yeast and allowing both rises to complete fully are key. Kneading until smooth and elastic also builds gluten structure, which results in that perfect fluffy texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter alternatives, and a cream cheese frosting made with vegan cream cheese to keep the spirit of the recipe with a vegan twist.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Gluten-free baking can be tricky with yeast doughs, but using a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast bread can work. Just keep in mind the texture might be a bit different from traditional rolls.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Fluffy Cinnamon Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen. The blend of tender dough, warm cinnamon, crunchy walnuts, and creamy frosting is nothing short of magical. So grab your apron, treat yourself and those you love, and watch these rolls become the highlight of your morning or dessert table. I can’t wait for you to experience just how good homemade can be!
Print
Fluffy Cinnamon Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fluffy Cinnamon Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with a tender dough filled with cinnamon sugar and crunchy walnuts, then topped with a rich and creamy frosting, these homemade rolls are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add softened butter, egg, and salt. Gradually add flour and knead for 5–7 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×10 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture and chopped walnuts. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 12 even rolls.
- Bake the rolls: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
- Make the frosting: In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Add milk if needed to reach a spreadable consistency. Spread frosting over warm rolls and top with extra walnuts if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can make the rolls the night before and refrigerate them after shaping. Let them come to room temperature before baking in the morning.
