Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate recipe for soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls with a delectable cream cheese frosting. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day. With their irresistible aroma and mouthwatering taste, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create these heavenly rolls.

Ingredients

To make these delicious cinnamon-walnut rolls, you will need the following ingredients:

Dough:

– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

– ¼ cup granulated sugar

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast

– ½ cup milk

– ¼ cup water

– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 1 large egg

Filling:

– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

– ¾ cup packed brown sugar

– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

– 1 cup chopped walnuts

Frosting:

– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

– ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup powdered sugar

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the step-by-step process of making these mouthwatering cinnamon-walnut rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well.

In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water, and butter over low heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Add the milk mixture and the egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 16×12 inches.

Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the filling.

Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.

Place the slices in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake and Frost

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

In the meantime, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.

Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.

Variations

If you want to add a twist to your cinnamon-walnut rolls, here are a few variations to consider:

1. Apple Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls:

Add thinly sliced apples on top of the filling before rolling the dough. The combination of cinnamon, walnuts, and apples will create a delightful flavor.

2. Raisin Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls:

Sprinkle a handful of raisins over the filling before rolling the dough. The plump and juicy raisins will add a burst of sweetness to each bite.

3. Maple Walnut Rolls:

Replace the cream cheese frosting with a drizzle of warm maple syrup and sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top. The maple flavor will complement the cinnamon and walnuts perfectly.

Tips

To ensure the best results when making these cinnamon-walnut rolls, consider the following tips:

1. Use Instant Yeast:

Instant yeast provides quick and consistent results. Make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rise.

2. Let the Dough Rise Properly:

Give the dough enough time to rise. This will ensure light and fluffy rolls.

3. Don’t Overfill:

When spreading the filling, avoid overfilling as it can make the rolls difficult to roll and may cause the filling to ooze out during baking.

4. Add a Cream Cheese Glaze:

If you prefer a sweeter and creamier finish, you can make a simple cream cheese glaze by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk. Drizzle it over the rolls after they have cooled slightly.

Conclusion

Indulge in the heavenly goodness of these soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The warm and comforting flavors of cinnamon and walnuts combined with the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting will make these rolls an instant hit. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert, these rolls are sure to satisfy your cravings.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, roll, fill, and bake the rolls as directed.

Q: Can I freeze the cinnamon-walnut rolls?

A: Absolutely! Once the rolls have cooled, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and warm them up in the oven before serving.