Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

By Muhammad Faizan

Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

These cinnamon-walnut rolls are soft, fluffy, and loaded with flavor. The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch to these sweet, spiced rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat!

Preparation Time:

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

  • Active Time: 30 minutes

  • Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 7 Tbsp (80g) sugar

  • 1 tsp (4g) dry yeast

  • 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm milk

  • 1 egg

  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil

  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp (4g) salt

For the Filling:

  • 1/3 cup (80g) butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup (80g) sugar

  • Cinnamon to taste

  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

Full Recipe:

1. Prepare the Dough:

  • In a small bowl, combine the sugar and dry yeast with lukewarm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, and salt.

  • Gradually add the yeast mixture to the egg and oil mixture. Stir in the flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.

  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.

  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

  • While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon.

  • Chop the walnuts if you’re using them, and set them aside.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.

  • Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch from the edges.

  • Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the cinnamon butter mixture (optional).

  • Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.

  • Slice the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

  • Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring they’re close together.

  • Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

4. Bake the Rolls:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.

  • Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.

  • Adjust the consistency by adding a little milk if necessary.

6. Frost and Serve:

  • Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes:

  • Filling Variations: You can swap the walnuts for pecans or leave them out entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.

  • Dough Texture: If the dough is too sticky, don’t be afraid to add a little more flour. It’s better for the dough to be slightly sticky than too dry.

  • Frosting Tip: The cream cheese frosting can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it slightly before spreading it on the rolls.

Tips:

  • Storage: These cinnamon rolls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the rolls the night before. After assembling the rolls, place them in the refrigerator and bake them the next morning for a fresh, warm breakfast.

  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise. Once risen, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Servings:

This recipe makes about 12 cinnamon rolls.

Nutritional Info (per roll, based on 12 servings):

  • Calories: 300 kcal

  • Carbs: 40g

  • Fat: 14g

  • Protein: 4g

  • Sugar: 15g

Benefits:

  • Comfort Food: These cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat to indulge in when you want something warm and comforting.

  • Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch with no preservatives, these rolls are a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

  • Customization: You can add your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor.

Q&A for Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls:

Q: Can I use a different type of flour? A: You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture will be slightly denser. If using whole wheat flour, consider adding a little more liquid.

Q: Can I make these rolls without walnuts? A: Yes! Feel free to leave out the walnuts or substitute them with other nuts like pecans or almonds, or skip them entirely for a simpler roll.

Q: How do I store these rolls? A: Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze them for up to 1 month.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, and then allow it to rise in the refrigerator overnight before baking the next day.

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