Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Homemade, tender, gooey cinnamon rolls filled with crunchy walnuts and topped with rich, silky cream cheese frosting.

These Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls are soft, fluffy, and loaded with warm cinnamon sugar and toasted walnuts in every swirl. Topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for brunch, holidays, or whenever you need something sweet and comforting. Better than the bakery, and easier than you think!

Ingredients (Makes 12 Rolls)

For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)

2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

For the Filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup brown sugar, packed

1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Stir to combine.

Gradually mix in flour, 1 cup at a time, until dough forms and pulls away from the bowl.

Knead for 6–8 minutes by hand or using a dough hook. Dough should be soft but not sticky.

Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.

Prepare the Filling:
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.

Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan (optional, but recommended).

Assemble the Rolls:
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle (~14×18 inches).

Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.

Sprinkle walnuts on top.

Roll up tightly from the long side into a log.

Slice into 12 even rolls and place into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.

Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C

Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and set.

Let cool slightly before frosting.

Make the Frosting:
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth

Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt

Spread over warm rolls for a gooey finish or cool rolls for a thicker layer

Serving Ideas
Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or chai

Top with extra toasted walnuts for crunch

Drizzle with caramel for a twist!

Tips for Perfect Rolls
Use bread flour for extra fluffiness (optional)

Don’t overbake — slightly under is better for soft centers

Make ahead: Assemble rolls the night before and bake fresh in the morning