These walnut cinnamon rolls are the perfect blend of cozy, sweet, and slightly crunchy. A soft, buttery dough is swirled with cinnamon sugar and walnuts, then topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday morning, weekend brunch, or a special breakfast treat, this recipe delivers warm, bakery-style cinnamon rolls that are indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make from scratch.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dough

• • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour

• • ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar

  • 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast

  • 1 tsp salt

• • ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk

  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Filling

• • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar

• • 2 tbsp (30g) granulated sugar

  • 2 tbsp (30g) ground cinnamon

  • ⅓ cup (80g) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup (90g) finely chopped walnuts

Cream Cheese Frosting

• • ½ cup (115g) cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1–2 tbsp milk (optional, for thinning)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. 1. Mix the Dough
      In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
      Add the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix on medium speed for 5–7 minutes. Otherwise, knead on a floured surface by hand for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

   2. Let the Dough Rise
      Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.

1. 1. Prepare the Filling
      While the dough rises, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside. Ensure the butter is softened and ready for spreading. Chop the walnuts finely and set aside.

   2. Roll Out the Dough
      Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches (40×30 cm) in size.

   3. Add the Filling
      Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the surface, then scatter the chopped walnuts on top.

2. 1. Shape and Slice the Rolls
      Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the edge to seal. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.

   2. Final Rise
      Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy and nearly doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   3. Bake
      Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and baked through. Allow to cool slightly before adding frosting.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
   In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired consistency.

4. Frost and Serve
   Spread the frosting over the warm (but not hot) cinnamon rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Roll, approximate – based on 12 servings)

• • Calories: 390

  • Protein: 7g

• • Carbohydrates: 44g

  • Fat: 20g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 20g

  • Sodium: 210mg
    Values are estimates and can vary based on brand and ingredient choices.

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Cinnamon rolls trace back to Northern Europe, particularly Sweden, where they’re known as kanelbullar. These spiced, swirled rolls became popular in the U.S. thanks to Scandinavian immigrants. The addition of cream cheese frosting is a distinctly American touch, making them even more indulgent.
This version adds chopped walnuts to the mix, giving the rolls a nutty crunch that balances perfectly with the soft dough and gooey filling. It’s a classic recipe with a subtle twist—perfect for holidays, Sunday mornings, or anytime comfort baking.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• • Incredibly soft and fluffy dough made from scratch

  • Sweet and spiced cinnamon filling with a nutty walnut crunch

  • Luscious cream cheese frosting that melts over warm rolls

• • Perfect for holidays, brunch, or weekend baking

  • Freezer-friendly—make ahead and bake when needed

  • Better than store-bought or bakery—and your kitchen will smell amazing!

Health Benefits

While cinnamon rolls are definitely a treat, they still offer a few wholesome ingredients:

• • Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants

  • Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties

• Eggs and milk provide protein and essential vitamins

• Homemade baking means fewer additives and preservatives than store-bought versions

Serving Suggestions

• • Serve warm with hot coffee, tea, or chai latte

  • Add a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup for an extra-sweet touch

• • Top with more chopped walnuts for added texture and crunch

  • Pair with a fruit salad for a complete breakfast spread

  • Make them the centerpiece of a holiday breakfast or dessert table

Cooking Tips

• • Use room-temperature eggs so they incorporate smoothly into the dough

• • Warm the milk to 100–110°F (37–43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it

  • Use dental floss or a serrated knife for clean, perfect slices

  • Grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking

• Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting so the icing doesn’t completely melt

• Add orange zest to the filling or frosting for a citrusy twist

Variationsito Try

• • Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Swap walnuts with pecans for a Southern twist

  • Maple Frosting: Add maple extract or syrup to the cream cheese icing

• • Caramel Walnut Rolls: Top with caramel sauce and extra nuts for sticky buns

  • Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: Add ½ cup pumpkin purée to the dough and pumpkin spice to the filling

  • Chocolate Swirl Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon layer for a gooey surprise

• Mini Cinnamon Rolls: Roll smaller and bake in muffin tins for individual portions

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese alternatives

Conclusion

Walnut cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate homemade indulgence. They’re tender, fluffy, and filled with warming spices and crunchy nuts. The rich frosting takes them to the next level—perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying solo with your favorite hot drink. If you’re ready to make your kitchen smell like a bakery and treat yourself or your family, this is the recipe you need in your life.