Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting – Don’t Lose This Recipe 🤎
There’s something truly magical about pulling a pan of soft, fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls out of the oven. The warm aroma of cinnamon fills the kitchen, the dough is pillowy and tender, and the toasted walnuts add just the right amount of crunch. Finish it all with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into every swirl, and you’ve got a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
These cinnamon-walnut rolls are the kind of treat that turns an ordinary morning into a special occasion. Perfect for weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, or anytime you want to spoil your family (or yourself), this recipe is simple enough for home bakers but delivers bakery-quality results every single time.
🌟 Why Everyone Loves These Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls
Ultra-soft and fluffy dough that stays tender even the next day
Perfect cinnamon-sugar swirl in every bite
Crunchy walnuts for texture and nutty flavor
Creamy cream cheese frosting that’s not too sweet, just right
Make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly
Once you make these from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought rolls again.
🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
Warm milk
Active dry yeast
Sugar
Eggs
Melted butter
All-purpose flour
Salt
For the Cinnamon-Walnut Filling:
Soft butter
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
Cream cheese, softened
Butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Simple pantry staples come together to create something truly unforgettable.
👩🍳 How to Make Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls
1️⃣ Make the Dough
Activate the yeast in warm milk with a little sugar. Once bubbly, mix in eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Chop the walnuts finely so they distribute evenly through the rolls.
3️⃣ Roll and Fill
Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar, and scatter the walnuts evenly.
4️⃣ Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into even pieces. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again until puffy.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Bake until golden brown and your kitchen smells irresistible.
6️⃣ Frost While Warm
Beat the cream cheese frosting until smooth and spread over warm rolls so it melts into every swirl.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
Warm milk should be warm, not hot (hot milk can kill yeast).
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for the fluffiest texture.
Toast the walnuts lightly for extra flavor.
Frost the rolls while warm for that bakery-style finish.
🔄 Easy Variations
Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds
Add raisins or dried cranberries
Drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent twist
Use orange zest in the frosting for a fresh citrus note
🥰 Perfect for Every Occasion
These soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls with cream cheese frosting are perfect for:
Holiday mornings
Family brunches
Special weekend treats
Gifting to friends and neighbors
They’re cozy, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
✨ If you love soft homemade desserts, save this recipe, share it, and don’t forget to leave a ❤️. One bite and you’ll understand why everyone asks for this recipe again and again!
