Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
These homemade cinnamon-walnut rolls are soft, buttery, and bursting with a warm cinnamon aroma. Topped with creamy frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
½ cup finely chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic.
3. Let It Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste. Stir in chopped walnuts.
5. Roll and Fill
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle (about 14×9 inches). Spread the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 9–12 even rolls.
6. Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover, and let rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before frosting.
8. Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency.
9. Frost and Serve
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top if desired. Serve and enjoy while warm!
Tip: For extra gooey rolls, drizzle a bit of warm honey or maple syrup over them right before serving.
