Here’s a soft, fluffy cinnamon-walnut roll recipe with a rich cream cheese frosting—pillowy inside, gooey centers, lightly crunchy walnuts.
Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls
Makes about 12 rolls
🧈 Dough
Ingredients
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¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / warm to the touch, not hot)
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2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (room temp)
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ tsp salt
Instructions
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Activate yeast: Mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Whisk in remaining sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter.
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Add flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
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Knead 8–10 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic.
👉 Dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not sticky. -
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours, until doubled.
🌰 Cinnamon-Walnut Filling
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½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
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¾ cup brown sugar (dark = deeper flavor)
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1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp salt
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¾ cup finely chopped walnuts
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and walnuts in a bowl.
🌀 Assemble
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Roll dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle.
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Spread butter evenly over dough.
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Sprinkle cinnamon-walnut mixture all over.
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Roll tightly from the long side.
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Cut into 12 rolls (floss trick = clean cuts).
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Place in a buttered 9×13 pan.
Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
🔥 Bake
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–26 minutes
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Tops should be lightly golden, centers soft.
🧁 Cream Cheese Frosting
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4 oz cream cheese, very soft
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¼ cup unsalted butter, soft
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1 cup powdered sugar (add more if you want thicker)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Beat everything until smooth and fluffy.
👉 Spread frosting on warm (not hot) rolls for melty magic.
✨ Pro Tips
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For extra fluffy rolls, replace ½ cup flour with bread flour.
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Want ultra-gooey bottoms? Pour ¼ cup warm cream over the rolls just before baking.
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Toast the walnuts lightly first = next-level flavor.