Introduction
Nothing says comfort like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. These soft and fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls, topped with rich cream cheese frosting, take the classic cinnamon roll to the next level by adding the delightful crunch of walnuts. Whether you’re making these for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe will fill your home with warmth and irresistible fragrance. The combination of buttery dough, cinnamon spice, crunchy walnuts, and creamy frosting creates a heavenly balance of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering treat!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar-walnut mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 even slices.
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Prepare the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the frosting over the top.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: These cinnamon-walnut rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven with the cream cheese frosting slightly melting over the top. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to restore their softness before serving.
Tips for Success:
Proper Rising: Be sure to give your dough enough time to rise for fluffy, soft rolls. If your kitchen is cool, you can let the dough rise in an oven that’s been briefly warmed and then turned off.
Even Slicing: To get uniform rolls, use a piece of dental floss or a sharp knife to slice the rolled dough cleanly.
Frosting Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the cream cheese frosting to achieve your desired consistency. Add more for a thinner glaze or less for a thicker frosting.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls in the oven to avoid overbaking, which can make them dry. They should be golden brown and still soft in the center.
Health Benefits:
While cinnamon rolls are typically considered an indulgence, there are a few redeeming qualities in this recipe:
Walnuts are packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Homemade over Store-Bought: By making your own rolls, you can control the quality of ingredients, such as using less sugar or healthier fats, and avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per roll):
Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Sugar: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Variations and Substitutions:
Nuts: Substitute the walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor.
Filling Options: Add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
Spice It Up: For an added kick, sprinkle a little cardamom or allspice in the filling alongside the cinnamon.
Glaze Instead of Frosting: If you prefer a simpler topping, replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the rolls, cover them, and let them rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, take them out to rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls? Definitely. Once the rolls have been baked and cooled, you can freeze them (without frosting) in an airtight container. To serve, let them thaw, warm them up in the oven, and add frosting.
Why didn’t my dough rise? Check that your yeast is active. If the yeast didn’t foam in the warm milk, it may be expired or the milk could have been too hot, killing the yeast.
Can I use store-bought dough? Yes, you can use pre-made dough, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same as homemade.
How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan? Grease your baking dish well with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Conclusion:
Soft and fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are a true indulgence, perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness. The combination of warm cinnamon spice, crunchy walnuts, and tangy cream cheese frosting will have everyone coming back for seconds. While the process might seem involved, each step is straightforward, and the result is more than worth it. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fun project, these cinnamon rolls are a must-try! Enjoy them fresh and warm, and feel free to experiment with the endless variations to suit your personal tastes.