Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
These homemade cinnamon walnut rolls are irresistibly soft, buttery, and filled with a fragrant blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and crunchy walnuts. Finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or an afternoon treat. Fresh from the oven, every bite is warm, fluffy, and packed with comforting flavor.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
7 tablespoons (80 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon (4 g) active dry yeast
1 cup (250 ml) lukewarm milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon (4 g) salt
For the Filling
⅓ cup (80 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (or to taste)
¾ cup (90 g) chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk, if needed
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the egg and vegetable oil, then mix well.
3. Stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle about 12 × 18 inches (30 × 45 cm).
7. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
8. Sprinkle with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.
9. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal slices.
10. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9 × 13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
11. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
14. While the rolls cool slightly, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to create a smooth frosting.
15. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Rolls
Use lukewarm milk to activate the yeast properly.
Avoid adding too much flour to keep the rolls soft.
Toast the walnuts before adding them for a richer flavor.
Frost the rolls while they’re still slightly warm so the icing melts into every swirl.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
These soft cinnamon walnut rolls are a bakery-style treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether served for a special breakfast or a cozy dessert, they’re delicious with a hot cup of coffee or tea.