Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the oven—soft, fluffy layers, a sweet cinnamon filling, crunchy walnuts, and rich cream cheese frosting melting on top. These Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls take the classic breakfast treat to the next level with a nutty crunch and luscious frosting that makes every bite irresistible.

Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or a special treat anytime, this recipe is easy to follow and yields bakery-quality rolls at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and pillowy dough that melts in your mouth
Nutty, sweet filling with cinnamon and walnuts
Creamy frosting that balances the sweetness perfectly
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Make-ahead friendly: freeze unbaked rolls for later

Ingredients

For the Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature

For the Cinnamon-Walnut Filling

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ cup chopped walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk (if needed for spreading)

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Rolling pin
9×13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper (optional)
Sharp knife or dental floss

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts in a small bowl.
Soften butter separately for spreading on the rolled-out dough.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Punch down dough and roll into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar and walnut mixture evenly on top.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Roll dough tightly from the long edge to form a log.
Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, leaving a small gap between each.
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until frosting is spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Spread frosting over warm rolls. The frosting will melt slightly into the soft layers.
Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls

Warm ingredients: Make sure milk and egg are at room temperature for better yeast activation.
Don’t overmix: Knead just until smooth to keep rolls soft and fluffy.
Use dental floss: Cleanly cuts rolls without squishing them.
Customize nuts: Pecans or hazelnuts work beautifully instead of walnuts.
Make-ahead tip: Assemble rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

Variations

Chocolate Walnut Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips with the cinnamon-nut filling.
Maple Pecan Rolls: Swap walnuts for pecans and add 1–2 tbsp maple syrup to the filling.
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting: Add 1 tsp orange zest to the frosting for a citrus twist.
Caramel Drizzle: Add a thin layer of caramel sauce over the frosting for extra indulgence.

Storage

Room Temperature: Keep rolls in an airtight container for 2 days.
Refrigerator: 4–5 days; reheat briefly before serving.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls in the pan for up to 1 month; thaw and bake when needed.

Why These Rolls Are Irresistible

The combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon-nut filling, and creamy frosting makes these rolls a standout breakfast or dessert. The walnuts add a crunchy texture that complements the melt-in-your-mouth dough, while the cream cheese frosting adds just the right sweetness and tang.

Perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or cozy mornings, these cinnamon-walnut rolls are sure to impress family and friends.