These cinnamon-walnut rolls are a timeless treat—soft, fluffy, and filled with warm cinnamon spice and crunchy walnuts. The luscious cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness to balance the richness of the rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert, this recipe will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and impress anyone lucky enough to take a bite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 7 tablespoons (80g) granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon (4g) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons (30g) ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (65g) chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the dry yeast.
- Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining 6 tablespoons sugar, and salt.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter.
- Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until the dough begins to come together.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Form the dough into a ball.
Step 4: First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
- Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling and Roll the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough to release air.
- Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle roughly 12×18 inches.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface.
- Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
- Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
- Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal rolls (about 1 ½ inches each).
- Place the rolls evenly spaced in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 7: Second Rise
- Cover the rolls loosely with a towel or plastic wrap.
- Let them rise for another 30 minutes until they puff up.
Step 8: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Check by inserting a toothpick into the center of a roll; it should come out clean.
Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Finish and Serve
- Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes after baking.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls so it melts into the swirls.
- Serve warm and enjoy the melty, gooey goodness.
Tips for Success
- Butter temperature: Ensure butter for dough and frosting is softened but not melted, to maintain texture.
- Yeast proofing: Milk must be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Spacing rolls: Leave enough space between rolls in the pan so they can expand and bake evenly without sticking too much.
- Custom fillings: Add raisins, chopped apples, or even chocolate chips with the walnuts for a fun twist.
- Extra indulgence: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the frosting for an over-the-top treat.
Prep Time and Nutrition
- Prep time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (including rising time)
- Calories: Approximately 320 calories per roll