Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting: The Perfect Recipe for a Cozy Morning

Why Homemade Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls?

Baking from scratch is always rewarding, and when it comes to cinnamon rolls, there’s nothing like the texture and flavor of a homemade batch. These cinnamon-walnut rolls are not only soft and fluffy but also have an irresistible combination of spice and crunch, thanks to the rich cinnamon filling and the addition of finely chopped walnuts. With a layer of velvety cream cheese frosting, they are bound to become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need a variety of pantry staples, and a few special touches. Below is a breakdown of the key ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg

For the filling:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir everything together until the dough starts to form.

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Making the Cinnamon-Walnut Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts. The mixture should be slightly crumbly but spreadable.

3. Rolling and Filling the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches). Spread the cinnamon-walnut filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 9-12 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll for them to rise.

4. Second Rise and Baking

Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time. Once the rolls have puffed up, bake them in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

6. Frosting the Rolls

Once the cinnamon-walnut rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. The warmth of the rolls will help the frosting melt into all the nooks and crannies, making them even more indulgent.

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the dough and frosting to come together smoothly, make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients won’t blend as well.

2. Knead the Dough Well: Proper kneading develops gluten, which is essential for soft and fluffy rolls. Knead for the full 8-10 minutes to achieve the perfect dough texture.

3. Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Allowing the rolls to rise twice ensures they’ll be light and airy after baking. It might be tempting to skip this step, but the wait is worth it.

4. Filling Variations: While the walnut-cinnamon combination is a classic, you can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients. Try adding raisins, pecans, or even chocolate chips for a unique twist.

5. Storing and Reheating: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their softness.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon-walnut rolls are a treat on their own, but pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or tea will elevate your breakfast or brunch. For an extra-special touch, serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of toasted nuts.

Healthier Substitutes

If you’re looking to make a lighter version of these cinnamon rolls, you can try some of the following substitutions:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Coconut Sugar: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a slightly lower glycemic index.
• Greek Yogurt Frosting: Swap out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt in the frosting for a lighter, protein-packed alternative.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the process of baking homemade cinnamon rolls. From the comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen to the moment you take that first bite of a warm, gooey roll topped with silky cream cheese frosting—it’s an experience everyone should enjoy. This recipe for soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls will quickly become a go-to favorite, whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself.