Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and yeast mixture. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can knead it on medium speed for about 6-8 minutes.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon-Walnut Filling
- While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl.
- Afterward, in a separate bowl, mix the softened butter and chopped walnuts. This will create a rich, nutty paste to spread over the dough.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
- Spread the filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, followed by the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the top.
- Roll the dough: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Let the rolls rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving space between each roll. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes until they’ve puffed up.
Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the centers are fully baked. If the tops are browning too quickly, loosely cover the rolls with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is creamy and fluffy.
- Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the cinnamon-walnut rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of each roll. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls
- Proper dough consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky. Add flour gradually during kneading to avoid a dry dough.
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and even baking.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry rolls, so aim for a light golden brown color on top.
- Frost while warm: Frosting the rolls while they’re still slightly warm ensures the cream cheese frosting melts slightly into the rolls, making them extra gooey and delicious.
Creative Variations for Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls
While the classic combination of cinnamon, walnuts, and cream cheese frosting is already a winning formula, there are many ways to get creative with your cinnamon-walnut rolls:
- Add raisins or cranberries: For a fruity twist, sprinkle raisins or dried cranberries over the filling before rolling the dough.
- Use pecans or almonds: Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor and texture.
- Cocoa swirl: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cinnamon mixture for a subtle chocolatey note.
- Caramel drizzle: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, soft, and fluffy cinnamon roll, and adding walnuts elevates the texture and flavor to new heights. The cinnamon-sugar filling melts into the dough, creating a deliciously gooey center, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. The cream cheese frosting brings a creamy, tangy finish that perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls.
These cinnamon-walnut rolls are perfect for special occasions, holiday breakfasts, or just as a sweet treat to brighten your day. Plus, the recipe is versatile, so you can make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something cozy and sweet, whip up a batch of these cinnamon-walnut rolls with cream cheese frosting and experience the magic of freshly baked pastries in your own home.