Here’s a full, step-by-step recipe for the softest rolls ever 👇
🥖 Soft Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
🌾 Dough Ingredients
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¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 105–110°F / 40°C)
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2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
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¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
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3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (plus a little extra for kneading)
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½ tsp salt
🍯 Filling Ingredients
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½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
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2½ tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts (lightly toasted for extra flavor)
🍰 Cream Cheese Frosting
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4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
(Optional: 1–2 tbsp milk or cream for a thinner glaze texture)
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
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In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar.
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Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until frothy and active.
2. Make the dough
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Add melted butter, egg, and egg yolk to the yeast mixture and stir.
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Mix in flour and salt gradually until a soft dough forms.
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Knead for 8–10 minutes (by hand or with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
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The dough should be soft but not sticky.
3. First rise
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Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 to 1½ hours in a warm spot).
4. Prepare the filling
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Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
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Have your softened butter and chopped walnuts ready.
5. Shape the rolls
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Roll dough into a rectangle (about 14×9 inches).
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Spread softened butter evenly over the surface.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, then the walnuts.
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Roll up tightly from the long edge and cut into 9–12 even rolls.
6. Second rise
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Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan (or round pans).
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Cover and let rise until puffy, about 30–45 minutes.
7. Bake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake for 22–28 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (don’t overbake—soft is key!).
8. Make the frosting
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Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
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Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
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Mix until fluffy; adjust consistency with milk or cream if desired.
9. Frost and serve
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Spread frosting over warm rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls.
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Sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top if you want some crunch.
💡 Tips for Super Soft Rolls
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Use room temp ingredients — cold eggs or milk slow yeast growth.
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Don’t add too much flour — slightly sticky dough = fluffier rolls.
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Let them cool just a few minutes before frosting so it melts a bit into the spirals.
Would you like me to give you a make-ahead version (so you can prep them the night before and bake fresh in the morning)? It’s perfect for holidays or brunch.
