Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Introduction

Soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls are the ultimate comfort breakfast or brunch treat. These rolls are tender, lightly sweet, and enriched with a buttery cinnamon filling, finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions, they bring warmth, sweetness, and a hint of nostalgia to any table.

Origin

Cinnamon rolls have roots in Northern Europe, particularly in Sweden and Denmark. The Swedish “kanelbullar” are a staple in fika (coffee break) culture, while American adaptations often include richer dough and cream cheese frosting. Adding walnuts gives a delightful textural contrast and a nutty depth of flavor.

Cultural Significance

Cinnamon rolls are more than just a pastry—they symbolize comfort, hospitality, and home-baked goodness. They are commonly enjoyed during holidays, weekend breakfasts, and family gatherings, evoking memories of warmth and togetherness.

Ingredients Quantity

For the Dough:

  • 7 Tbsp (80g) sugar
  • 1 tsp (4g) dry yeast
  • 1 cup (250ml) lukewarm milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (4g) salt

For the Filling:

  • 1/3 cup (80g) butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (80g) sugar
  • Cinnamon to taste
  • 1/2 cup (50g) chopped walnuts (optional but recommended)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 Tbsp (30g) butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Additions

  • Raisins or dried cranberries in the filling
  • A drizzle of caramel or chocolate over frosting
  • Toasted pecans or almonds for extra crunch

Tips for Success

  1. Milk temperature: Ensure it’s lukewarm (around 105–110°F / 40–43°C) so yeast activates without killing it.
  2. Kneading: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic to achieve a fluffy texture.
  3. Rising: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
  4. Butter consistency: Softened butter spreads more evenly in the filling.
  5. Even rolling: Roll the dough into an even rectangle for consistent rolls.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

  • Mix yeast, 1 Tbsp sugar, and lukewarm milk in a bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
  • Add the yeast mixture, egg, and oil to the dry ingredients. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

  • Mix softened butter, sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts until smooth.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

  • Roll dough into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.
  • Spread filling evenly over the dough.
  • Roll tightly from the long side, then cut into 12 equal rolls.
  • Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

4. Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

5. Frosting:

  • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix well.
  • Spread over warm rolls for a creamy, indulgent finish.

Description

The rolls are soft, tender, and slightly sweet, with a rich cinnamon flavor and a satisfying crunch from walnuts. The cream cheese frosting adds tangy sweetness, perfectly balancing the buttery dough.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per roll, without optional toppings)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g

Conclusion

These cinnamon-walnut rolls are a luxurious yet approachable treat. The combination of soft dough, warm cinnamon, and creamy frosting is universally loved and perfect for sharing.

Recommendation

Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea. Leftovers can be gently reheated in the oven or microwave to maintain freshness.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

While these rolls are indulgent, using whole milk or a portion of whole wheat flour, and adding walnuts for protein and healthy fats, can make them slightly more nutritious without sacrificing flavor. Treating yourself occasionally is part of a balanced, enjoyable lifestyle.

If you want, I can also create a step-by-step visual guide for these cinnamon rolls to make it extra beginner-friendly. Do you want me to do that?

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