Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

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⏱ Preparation Time

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Active Time: 30 minutes
  • Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

🧈 Ingredients

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
  • 1 ½–2 tsp cinnamon (to taste)
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts (optional but delicious)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 Tbsp butter, softened
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar
  • 1–2 Tbsp milk (for desired consistency)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, yeast, and warm milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the egg and vegetable oil; mix well.
  3. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste.
  2. Stir in the chopped walnuts.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

  1. Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×16-inch (30×40 cm) rectangle.
  2. Spread the cinnamon-walnut filling evenly over the dough.
  3. Roll up tightly from the long side into a log.
  4. Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or thread.
  5. Arrange in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown on top.
  3. Let cool slightly before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, and beat until creamy.
  3. Add milk gradually until the frosting is soft and spreadable.
  4. Spread generously over warm rolls.

🍽 Serving Suggestion

Serve warm for the ultimate soft, gooey texture. Perfect with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate!

🧊 Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat briefly in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
  • You can freeze unbaked rolls (after shaping) for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise, and bake as usual.

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