There’s something truly magical about pulling a pan of homemade -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting out of the oven. Picture this: tender, golden spirals filled with a gooey, cinnamon-kissed walnut swirl, topped with a cloud of velvety cream cheese frosting that melts into every crevice. Whether you share them as a cozy breakfast treat or a show-stopping dessert, these rolls always make people smile and reach for seconds. This recipe combines classic comfort with a nutty twist, making every bite absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for these -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are straightforward, but each one works in harmony to deliver the perfect flavor, fluffiness, and creamy finish. Let’s take a moment to appreciate how each component plays a vital role in the final masterpiece!
- Warm milk: Kick-starts the yeast and guarantees a soft, tender dough.
- Active dry yeast: The secret to that beautiful rise and pillowy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the dough brown during baking.
- Unsalted butter (for dough & filling): Provides richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality inside and out.
- Large eggs: Make the dough extra fluffy and lend a gorgeous golden color.
- Salt: Enhances every sweet and nutty note (don’t skip it!).
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure — use just enough for a soft, pliable dough.
- Brown sugar: Infuses the filling with classic caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The signature spice that brings warmth and depth.
- Walnuts (finely chopped): Toast them for even more flavor and crunch — they’re the star of the show!
- Cream cheese: The base for that dreamy, tangy frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Makes the frosting smooth, sweet, and creamy.
- Vanilla extract: Perfumes the frosting with irresistible aroma.
- Milk (for frosting): Adjusts the consistency so it glides over warm rolls perfectly.
How to Make -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast
Start by adding warm milk and yeast to a large bowl. Let them sit together for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and foamy. This little wait ensures your -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting rise to fluffy perfection. If there’s no foam, the yeast may be inactive, so double-check your water temperature and try again if needed!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir vigorously to combine, then gradually add the flour. Mix until a soft dough forms — it should be slightly sticky but workable. Once everything’s incorporated, knead the dough by hand on a floured surface (or use a mixer with a dough hook) for 6 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Transfer your kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm spot. After about 1 to 1.5 hours, your dough should double in size and look like a fluffy pillow — perfect for our -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting adventure!
Step 4: Roll and Fill
Punch down the risen dough to release trapped air. Roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle — it doesn’t have to be perfect! Gently spread softened butter all over the surface. Stir the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle the mixture evenly. Finish with a generous scattering of those lovely chopped walnuts. Press everything lightly to help it stick.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Starting with the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss. Arrange the rounds, swirl side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until they look puffed and cozy.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F while the rolls finish their second rise. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until your -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a gorgeous golden brown and the kitchen smells absolutely incredible. If the tops are browning too quickly, loosely tent the pan with foil for the last few minutes.
Step 7: Slather with Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, whip together the cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then blend in enough milk to make a luxuriously spreadable frosting. As soon as the rolls come out, slather the frosting generously over the warm rolls so it melts into every swirl and cranny — this is what takes -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting completely over the top!
How to Serve -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a handful of chopped toasted walnuts on top of the frosted rolls or dust with a touch of cinnamon. A few curls of white chocolate or even a drizzle of caramel sauce add another layer of decadence. Presentation matters just as much as taste, and a bit of garnish makes your -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting feel bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Balance the sweetness with fresh fruit like berries, orange slices, or a tangy fruit salad. If you’re serving these rolls for breakfast or brunch, pair them with a big mug of coffee or a frothy latte. They also shine alongside a savory egg casserole or crisp bacon if you love the sweet-and-salty combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Individualize each roll by tucking them into decorative cupcake liners or nestling them on a pretty platter lined with parchment. For a special occasion, arrange them in a circular pattern to create a festive “pull-apart” bread centerpiece. These -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting also make an unbeatable edible gift — just wrap in bakery paper and tie with a ribbon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover rolls should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If longer storage is needed, pop them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh and soft for up to 4 to 5 days. Just be sure to keep them tightly covered to lock in moisture and that incredible flavor.
Freezing
-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are highly freezer-friendly! Wrap unfrosted (or frosted, if you prefer) rolls individually in plastic wrap and then foil, or place the whole pan in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving or reheating.
Reheating
To restore that fresh-from-the-oven experience, microwave a roll for about 15–20 seconds or warm a whole pan loosely covered with foil in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. If reheating already frosted rolls, keep an eye so the frosting doesn’t melt away completely. Add an extra swipe of cream cheese frosting if you feel like spoiling yourself!
FAQs
Can I prepare the rolls the night before?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, arrange them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let the rolls come to room temperature and finish their final rise before baking. Fresh, hot -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting for breakfast is absolutely within reach!
How can I toast walnuts for extra flavor?
Simply spread chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes, stirring halfway, until fragrant and golden. Let them cool before adding to your roll filling — the toasty aroma is unbeatable in these -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Absolutely! While the texture will be a bit different, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Follow the recipe steps as written, but keep an eye on texture while kneading and rising.
What’s the best way to cut neat rolls?
For beautifully even slices, use a long piece of unflavored dental floss instead of a knife. Slide the floss under your rolled dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull to separate — no squishing or tearing, just picture-perfect spirals for your -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Can I double the cream cheese frosting?
If you’re a frosting fanatic, go for it! The recipe is easily doubled for more generous coverage or for extra to serve on the side. After all, that tangy cream cheese finish is one of the best parts of these irresistible rolls.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the ultimate cozy treat, you need to try making -Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting in your own kitchen. Every swirl offers the perfect blend of warmth, crunch, and sweet cream cheese bliss. Share them with family and friends, or keep a secret batch just for yourself — either way, these rolls are sure to become one of your most-requested recipes!
Print
-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes plus rising time
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting for a delightful breakfast or dessert treat. These soft, sweet rolls are filled with a cinnamon-sugar walnut mixture and topped with a creamy frosting.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- Make the Filling: Roll out dough, spread butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, and walnuts. Roll up and slice into rolls.
- Bake the Rolls: Place rolls in a baking dish. Let rise and bake until golden.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- Toast walnuts for extra flavor.
- Prep rolls the night before for easy morning baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
