Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s guaranteed to wow your family (and make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly), Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are the answer. These pillowy-soft rolls are swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and crunchy walnuts, then slathered with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts into every crevice. Whether you’re baking for a special brunch or just want to spoil yourself on a cozy morning, this recipe brings the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors in every glorious bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list—each ingredient is a building block that helps create the irresistible taste, texture, and color of these Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting. Here’s why each is important:

• Warm Milk: The ideal temperature helps activate the yeast and gives the rolls their signature fluffy texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: The magic behind the rise—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a light, airy dough.
• Eggs (room temperature): Provide richness and structure, ensuring the rolls are soft and tender.
• Unsalted Butter (melted and softened): Delivers that classic buttery flavor throughout the dough, filling, and frosting.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough—measured just right for fluffy rolls.
• Brown Sugar (packed): Gives the filling a deep caramel sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, bringing warmth and signature flavor to every swirl.
• Chopped Walnuts: Add crunch and a nutty depth that elevates the classic cinnamon roll.
• Cream Cheese (softened): Essential for that tangy, luscious frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to glossy perfection.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the frosting with aromatic sweetness.
• Milk (for frosting): Just a splash gives the frosting its dreamy, spreadable texture.

How to Make Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

Start by combining the warm milk and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture looks foamy and bubbly. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to give your rolls their trademark fluffiness.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the granulated sugar, room temperature eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. Then, gradually add the flour, mixing with a dough hook or by hand, until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and First Rise

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens for those fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls with cream cheese frosting.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This spicy-sweet blend is what gives every bite of your rolls that classic cinnamon roll flavor.

Step 5: Roll Out and Fill

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle—about 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture and chopped walnuts all over. Don’t skimp! The more evenly you spread, the better each roll will taste.

Step 6: Roll Up and Cut

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Place them cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for perfectly shaped, bakery-worthy rolls.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30–40 minutes. This second rise ensures your Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting will puff up beautifully in the oven.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the risen rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like a dream. Try not to peek too often—letting the heat escape can affect the rise!

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then drizzle in a tablespoon or two of milk until the frosting is lush and spreadable. This is the crowning glory of your cinnamon-walnut rolls.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

When the rolls are fresh from the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. It’ll melt into all the swirls, making every bite sweet, creamy, and unforgettable.

How to Serve Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon right on top of the frosting adds a little flair and a hint of crunch—plus, it makes your Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting look even more tempting.

Side Dishes

Balance the sweetness with a bowl of fresh berries, a fruit salad, or a simple yogurt parfait. For a brunch spread, they’re also wonderful alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon, making sure everyone has something to love.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving each roll in a parchment muffin liner for a bakery-style look, or arrange them on a cake stand with a drizzle of extra frosting for special occasions. You can even slice and fan them out on a platter, letting those gorgeous cinnamon swirls steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the rolls tightly and keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for about five days. The frosting helps keep them moist!

Freezing

Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting freeze beautifully. Simply wrap cooled, unfrosted rolls individually or as a batch in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost just before serving for best results.

Reheating

To bring leftover rolls back to life, warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds per roll or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. If you’ve already frosted them, cover loosely with foil to keep the frosting gooey and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls the night before?

Absolutely! After you’ve placed the cut rolls in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking as directed. This is a lifesaver for busy mornings or brunch parties.

Do I have to use walnuts?

Nope! Pecans make a great substitute if you prefer, or you can skip the nuts entirely for a smoother, classic cinnamon roll experience. The recipe is super flexible.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries at all—mixing and kneading by hand works just fine. It might take a few extra minutes for the dough to become smooth and elastic, but it’s a great arm workout and totally worth it.

Can I make these dairy-free?

It’s possible! Swap in your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter for the dough and filling, and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. The rolls will still be soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The tops should be golden and the rolls should sound slightly hollow when tapped. If you’re unsure, gently lift a roll from the edge—the center should look cooked through, not doughy.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about pulling a tray of Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting from the oven and sharing them with people you love. If you’ve never made homemade rolls before, now’s the time—this recipe is foolproof, delicious, and guaranteed to brighten any day. Happy baking!

Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful breakfast or dessert treat. Soft, airy rolls are filled with a cinnamon-sugar and walnut mixture, then topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect balance of tangy sweetness. Perfect for sharing with family or friends on a cozy morning or special occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

Filling

• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for frosting)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make dough: Add the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a dough hook or by hand until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead dough: Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. This step develops gluten for a fluffy texture.
4. First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, ready to be sprinkled later on the dough.
6. Roll dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large 16×12 inch rectangle.
7. Spread filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture and the chopped walnuts evenly on top.
8. Form rolls: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
9. Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover them, and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
10. Bake rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
11. Make frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
12. Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls before serving. Enjoy them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them after placing the cut rolls in the pan. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
• If desired, substitute pecans for walnuts or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free, smoother filling.
• Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
• Use room temperature eggs for better dough consistency.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg