Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with these soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls. Packed with a warm cinnamon-sugar filling, crunchy walnuts, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for cozy mornings, brunch gatherings, or holiday breakfasts. They’re surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to delight everyone at the table!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Filling
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp (30g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (30g) ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup (80g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (90g) finely chopped walnuts
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (optional, for thinning)
Directions
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large mixing bowl.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix to form a dough.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth, or mix with a stand mixer for 5-7 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
- Punch down dough and roll into a 16×12 inch (40×30 cm) rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over dough and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture and walnuts.
- Roll dough tightly, slice into 12 even rolls, and arrange in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth for the frosting. Spread over slightly cooled rolls.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with hot coffee or tea.
- Pair with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Top with extra chopped walnuts for added crunch.
- Serve as a holiday breakfast centerpiece with festive décor.
Cooking Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a softer dough.
- Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Use dental floss to cut the rolls for clean slices.
- Don’t overbake to keep the rolls soft and moist.
- Adjust the sweetness of the frosting by adding more or less powdered sugar.
Nutritional Benefits
- Walnuts provide healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels.
- A small portion offers a satisfying energy boost.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts.
- Not suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets without modifications.
Nutritional Facts (Per Roll)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fats: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat before serving.
- Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing for up to 2 months; thaw and bake as directed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy texture with gooey cinnamon filling.
- Perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
- Crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
Conclusion
These cinnamon-walnut rolls are a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch to the warm and fragrant rolls. With their fluffy texture and nutty cinnamon filling, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Give them a try, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, dissolve it in warm milk first and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly. - Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work well. - How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Assemble the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning. - What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
Hand-knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. - Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese. - Why is my dough sticky?
Add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until manageable. - How do I prevent rolls from becoming dry?
Avoid overbaking and cover them while they cool. - Can I freeze baked rolls?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving. - What’s the best way to reheat them?
Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave briefly. - Can I omit the frosting?
Yes, but the frosting enhances the flavor and adds sweetness.