🔹️ Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Nothing compares to the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. These Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are pure comfort — pillowy dough, buttery cinnamon filling, crunchy walnuts, and smooth cream cheese frosting melting over the top. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
🔹️ Preparation Time
- ✅ Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- ✅ Active Time: 30 minutes
- ✅ Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🔹️ Ingredients and Their Roles
👉 Dough
- ◾️ 7 Tbsp (80g) sugar – Feeds the yeast and gives a subtle sweetness.
- ◾️ 1 tsp (4g) dry yeast – The secret to fluffy, soft rolls.
- ◾️ 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm milk – Activates the yeast and keeps dough moist.
- ◾️ 1 egg – Adds richness and structure.
- ◾️ 2 Tbsp vegetable oil – Keeps the dough tender.
- ◾️ 4 cups (500g) flour – The foundation for soft and elastic dough.
- ◾️ 1 tsp (4g) salt – Balances flavors and strengthens gluten.
👉 Filling
- ◾️ 1/3 cup (80g) butter – Helps the cinnamon-sugar stick and caramelize.
- ◾️ 1/2 cup (80g) sugar – Creates that sweet, gooey swirl.
- ◾️ Cinnamon to taste – The heart of the flavor; warm and aromatic.
- ◾️ 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – Adds crunch and nutty richness.
👉 Cream Cheese Frosting
- ◾️ 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened – Tangy and smooth.
- ◾️ 3 Tbsp butter, softened – Adds creamy texture.
- ◾️ 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- ◾️ 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
- ◾️ 1–2 Tbsp milk – For perfect spreading consistency.
🔹️ Step-by-Step Instructions
➡️ Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- ✅ Mix lukewarm milk and sugar, then sprinkle in yeast.
- ✅ Let it rest for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready.
➡️ Step 2: Make the Dough
- ✅ Add egg, oil, and salt.
- ✅ Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- ✅ Knead for about 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
➡️ Step 3: First Rise
- ✅ Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
➡️ Step 4: Prepare the Filling
- ✅ Mix softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste.
- ✅ Chop walnuts and set aside.
➡️ Step 5: Shape the Rolls
- ✅ Roll dough into a 16×12-inch (40x30cm) rectangle.
- ✅ Spread cinnamon filling evenly, sprinkle with walnuts.
➡️ Step 6: Roll and Cut
- ✅ Roll up tightly from the long side and slice into 12 rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
➡️ Step 7: Second Rise
- ✅ Place rolls in a greased pan, cover, and let them rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
➡️ Step 8: Bake
- ✅ Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and delicious.
➡️ Step 9: Make the Frosting
- ✅ Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- ✅ Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk; mix until smooth.
➡️ Step 10: Frost and Serve
- ✅ Spread frosting over warm rolls and let it melt into every swirl.
🔹️ Why Everyone Loves This Recipe ❤️
These rolls are soft, fluffy, buttery, and perfectly sweet. The walnuts add crunch, and the cream cheese frosting ties it all together with its rich tang. Every bite feels like a warm hug!
🔹️ Pro Tips for Perfect Rolls
- 👉 Use lukewarm milk to activate yeast (not hot).
- 👉 Let the dough rise fully for the best texture.
- 👉 Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing.
- 👉 Cut rolls with dental floss for perfect edges.
- 👉 Frost while still warm so the icing melts beautifully.
🔹️ Serving Suggestions
- ✅ Serve warm with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- ✅ Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- ✅ For an extra treat, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce.
🔹️ Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a batch of Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh from the oven. They’re simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.
👉 Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself — these cinnamon rolls are pure comfort, one swirl at a time.