Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here’s a soft and fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls recipe with a luscious cream cheese frosting—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert 🌀🍯🌰

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Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients (makes 12 rolls)

For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

For the Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup chopped walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.

3. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

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2. Prepare the Filling

1. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

2. Set aside the softened butter and chopped walnuts.

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3. Assemble the Rolls

1. Punch down the dough and roll into a rectangle (~16×12 inches).

2. Spread softened butter over the dough.

3. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, then scatter walnuts on top.

4. Roll the dough tightly from the long side.

5. Cut into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

6. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.

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4. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.

• Cool 10 minutes before frosting.

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5. Make Cream Cheese Frosting

• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

• Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until creamy.

• Spread over warm rolls.

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Tips

• For extra fluffy rolls, cover dough with a damp towel while rising.

• Toast walnuts lightly for a richer flavor.

• Cinnamon-sugar ratio can be increased for a sweeter filling.

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Variations

• Caramel-Walnut: Drizzle caramel sauce on top instead of cream cheese frosting.

• Apple-Cinnamon: Add finely chopped apples to the filling.

• Maple Cream Cheese: Add 1–2 tsp maple syrup to the frosting.

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I can also make a step-by-step “overnight rise” version so you can prepare them the night before and bake fresh in the morning—perfect for busy mornings.