Go Back

Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

These soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls topped with luscious cream cheese frosting are the ultimate morning treat, perfect for brunch or special occasions.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir well.
  3. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let It Rise
  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Filling
  1. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.
Roll It Out
  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
  2. Spread softened butter on the dough, then sprinkle the filling mixture over the top.
Shape Your Rolls
  1. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 pieces.
  2. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for about 30 minutes.
Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Frost Away
  1. While the rolls are baking, mix together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Add milk until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
  2. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the frosting over the top.

Notes

Don’t fear the yeast! Ensure the milk isn’t too hot or too cold. Feel free to mix up the filling with raisins or chocolate chips.