These Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls are the perfect breakfast, brunch, or dessert treat. With a gooey cinnamon-walnut filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this recipe transforms a humble roll into something extraordinary. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a weekend treat, or just because you deserve something sweet, these rolls are sure to satisfy.
The process may seem like it involves a lot of steps, but don’t be intimidated. The final result is so worth it! Plus, the dough is incredibly forgiving, and there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (or 1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for desired consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
The first step in making these soft cinnamon rolls is preparing the dough. Start by combining the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients together and let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast has been activated and is ready to do its job. Yeast is the magic ingredient that helps the dough rise, giving it that airy, soft texture that makes cinnamon rolls irresistible.
Tips for Yeast Activation
- Temperature of Milk: It’s important to use warm milk—not hot milk. Milk that’s too hot can kill the yeast, which means your rolls won’t rise properly. Aim for a temperature around 110°F (43°C), which is warm to the touch but not scalding.
- Sugar for Activation: The sugar in the yeast mixture doesn’t just sweeten the dough; it also helps feed the yeast and kickstart the fermentation process, making the dough rise.
After the yeast mixture becomes frothy, add the melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix everything together well until it’s fully combined.
Now, gradually add the flour—about one cup at a time. Mix the dough after each addition of flour, ensuring that the flour incorporates into the wet mixture and begins to form a sticky dough. As the dough comes together, you’ll notice it’s quite sticky. This is normal, and you’ll continue to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Kneading the Dough
Kneading the dough is an essential step for building the gluten structure, which helps the rolls rise and gives them that perfect soft texture. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment if you prefer, but hand kneading is a great way to get in touch with the dough and feel its texture.
Once you’ve kneaded the dough, place it into a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. This is known as the first rise. Make sure your kitchen is warm and draft-free to encourage proper fermentation.
Tips for Rising
- If your kitchen is cool, you can create a warm environment by placing the bowl of dough in an oven with the light on or in a microwave with a bowl of hot water to provide heat.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While your dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. This cinnamon-sugar paste will be spread over the dough to create that sweet, fragrant filling.
Variations on the Filling
- Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can add a handful of raisins, currants, or even chopped apples for extra flavor and texture. If you want to make these rolls even more decadent, try mixing in some chocolate chips or a swirl of caramel sauce.
- Nutty Options: While walnuts are a classic choice for these rolls, you can easily swap them out for other nuts such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the filling can bring out their natural flavor and add an extra crunch.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle—about 16×12 inches. This doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be large enough to roll the dough tightly into a log. The size of the rectangle will determine how thick the rolls will be, so adjust based on how thick or thin you want the rolls to be.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the rolled dough, making sure to cover every inch. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the filling, then roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other. Pinch the seam to seal it, making sure the dough stays together while you work.
Now it’s time to slice the dough into rolls. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 even slices. Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure they’re close together but not touching.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again for another 30-45 minutes, or until they double in size. This is the second rise. This step is crucial for creating those pillowy, soft rolls that are so desirable.
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The rolls should be well on their way to puffing up during this time.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Once the rolls have completed their second rise, it’s time to bake them. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t over-brown.
The house will begin to smell amazing, and you’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and the edges are slightly crisp.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until everything is well combined. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little bit of milk—1 tablespoon at a time—until it reaches your desired consistency.
If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar. If you like a thinner frosting that drips over the rolls, add a little more milk.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. The heat from the rolls will cause the frosting to melt into the crevices, creating a gooey, creamy topping that is absolutely irresistible.
Let the frosting set for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy! These cinnamon-walnut rolls are best enjoyed fresh, with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Success
Proofing the Yeast:
Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. This step is crucial for ensuring that your rolls rise properly.
Even Cutting:
When cutting the rolls, try using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife for the cleanest slices. Dental floss is a great tool because it allows you to cut through the dough without squishing or deforming the rolls.
Make-Ahead Option:
If you want to prepare these rolls ahead of time, you can make the dough and filling the night before. Cover the rolls tightly and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for an additional 30 minutes before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum, which helps give the dough structure and elasticity.
2. How do I store the cinnamon rolls?
Store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
3. Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes! These cinnamon-walnut rolls freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven before serving.
Conclusion
There’s no better way to indulge than with these Soft and Fl
uffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls topped with creamy cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any occasion that calls for a little sweetness. From the dough’s fluffy texture to the rich filling and decadent frosting, each bite is a moment of pure delight. With the right ingredients, a little patience, and a dash of love, you’ll have a homemade treat that rivals any bakery offering. Enjoy!
