There is nothing quite as comforting as the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. These soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls with cream cheese frosting are rich, tender, perfectly spiced, and topped with a smooth, tangy frosting that melts into every swirl. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or cozy weekends, this recipe delivers bakery-style results at home.
What makes these cinnamon-walnut rolls truly special is their pillowy dough, balanced sweetness, warm cinnamon flavor, and the added crunch of walnuts. Finished with classic cream cheese frosting, they are indulgent without being overwhelming and guaranteed to impress family and guests.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls
- Ultra-soft and fluffy texture
- Perfect balance of sweetness and spice
- Crunchy walnuts for added depth
- Rich cream cheese frosting
- Ideal for make-ahead and freezing
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Ingredients for Soft Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls
For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon (4g) salt
For the filling:
- ⅓ cup (80g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (80g) sugar
- Cinnamon to taste
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until lightly foamy. Add the melted butter, egg, and salt, then mix well. Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Make sure the butter is soft and spreadable. Chop the walnuts finely or roughly, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously across the dough, then evenly distribute the chopped walnuts.
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Step 4: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and touching.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon-walnut rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and spreadable.
Spread the frosting over the warm rolls so it slightly melts into the swirls for maximum flavor.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother dough
- Don’t add too much flour; a soft dough creates fluffy rolls
- Let the rolls rise fully for the best texture
- Frost while warm for gooey results
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These cinnamon-walnut rolls store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.
You can also prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them after shaping. Bake fresh in the morning for an effortless homemade treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls warm with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They’re perfect for holidays, special breakfasts, or whenever you want a comforting homemade dessert.
Final Thoughts
These soft and fluffy cinnamon-walnut rolls with cream cheese frosting are everything a classic sweet roll should be—tender, flavorful, rich, and satisfying. With warm cinnamon, crunchy walnuts, and smooth frosting, this recipe is a timeless favorite that belongs in every home baker’s collection. One bite, and they’re guaranteed to become a repeat request. 🍞✨
