Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

 

Here’s a rich, soft, and fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Roll recipe topped with luscious cream cheese frosting—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (more if needed)

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (toasted, if desired)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for desired consistency)

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Add eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix.
3. Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead (by hand or mixer) for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour 1 tbsp at a time if too sticky.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Punch down the dough and roll it into a 16x12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
3. Spread softened butter all over the dough.
4. Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mix and walnuts.

3. Roll and Slice:

1. Roll the dough up tightly from the long side.
2. Cut into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9x13-inch pan.
3. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

4. Bake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
3. Let cool for 10 minutes before frosting.

5. Make the Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
3. Add milk 1 tbsp at a time for desired consistency.

6. Frost and Serve:

• Spread frosting over warm rolls and enjoy!

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Would you like a version you can make ahead and refrigerate overnight?