Soft and Airy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Freshly baked cinnamon-walnut rolls topped with cream cheese frosting, served on a plate.

Soft and Airy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Looking for a delicious treat to impress family and friends? These soft and airy cinnamon-walnut rolls topped with rich cream cheese frosting are the perfect sweet indulgence for any occasion. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. With a light, fluffy dough and a sweet cinnamon-walnut filling, every bite is heavenly. Best of all, the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect touch of richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Combination of Sweet and Nutty: The cinnamon and walnut filling gives the rolls a delightful crunch and sweet flavor.
Soft and Airy Dough: With the right kneading and proofing, these rolls are light and fluffy.
Cream Cheese Frosting: The creamy, tangy frosting perfectly complements the warm rolls.
Versatile: Enjoy them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert for special occasions.

Ingredients for Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls

For the Dough:

7 tablespoons (80 grams) sugar
1 teaspoon (4 grams) dried yeast
1 cup warm milk (240 ml)
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

1/3 cup (80 grams) butter, melted
1/2 cup (80 grams) sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (200 grams) crushed walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/4 cup (200 grams) cream cheese
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup powdered sugar (50 grams)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine 7 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon dry yeast. Pour in 1 cup warm milk and wait until it foams. Add 1 egg and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, stirring well. Gradually add 1 teaspoon salt and 2 cups all-purpose flour, kneading the dough until smooth. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Melt 1/3 cup butter and mix with 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup crushed walnuts.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-walnut filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly and cut into 9 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the rolls for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat 1/4 cup cream cheese with 3 tablespoons milk and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 6: Frost the Rolls

Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

Close-up of soft and airy cinnamon-walnut rolls, perfect for breakfast or dessert

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Warm: Serve the rolls warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.
Add Extra Crunch: Sprinkle more crushed walnuts on top for added texture.
Fruit Pairing: Serve with fresh fruit to complement the richness of the rolls.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls

Use Warm Milk: Make sure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
Knead Well: Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free area to achieve a light and airy texture.
Frost When Slightly Warm: Apply the cream cheese frosting when the rolls are still slightly warm to allow it to melt into the rolls without becoming runny.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 250 kcal
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 12g

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing: These rolls freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm them before serving.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, you can substitute almond milk for regular milk to make the recipe dairy-free.

Q2: Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! Feel free to use pecans or almonds in place of walnuts.

Q3: How do I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

Replace the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based butter and cream cheese alternative.

These soft and airy cinnamon-walnut rolls with cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and delicious, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Try them out, and watch them disappear quickly—everyone will be asking for more!