Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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There’s something irresistible about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen—warm, buttery, and laced with sweet spices. These Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls take the classic treat up a notch, combining a soft and fluffy dough with a rich brown sugar-cinnamon filling studded with crunchy walnuts. Topped with a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting, each bite is pure comfort. Perfect for slow weekend mornings, holidays, or anytime you need a little extra joy baked into your day.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ¾ cup whole milk, warm (110°F)

  • ¼ cup water, warm

  • 1 egg, room temperature

  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed

  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)

  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • 1–2 tbsp milk (to desired consistency)

  • Instructions

    Make the Dough:

    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

    2. Add in the egg, softened butter, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.

    3. Add remaining flour gradually as needed, kneading by hand or with a dough hook for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

    4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

    Prepare the Filling:

    1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

    2. Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.

    3. Spread softened butter over the dough, sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and top evenly with chopped walnuts.

    Roll and Cut:

    1. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side.

    2. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or floss.

    3. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

    Bake:

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

    2. Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

    Make the Frosting:

    1. Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.

    2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until creamy.

    3. Add milk a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

    Serve:

    1. Spread the cream cheese frosting over warm rolls.

    2. Serve fresh and enjoy the gooey, nutty goodness!

    3. Want a version with pecans, maple glaze, or sourdough dough? I got you—just let me know.

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