If you have a craving for something sweet, nutty, and utterly irresistible, this Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls swirled with luscious pistachio cream and cinnamon, topped with a dreamy pistachio cream cheese frosting that’s silky and rich. The subtle crunch of toasted pistachios adds a delightful contrast to each bite, making these rolls a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time your sweet tooth calls. Trust me, once you try this Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, it will become a staple in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is simple, and each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in these rolls. From the soft bread flour to the nutty pistachio cream, every item is thoughtfully chosen to make your baking experience seamless and delicious.
- 5 ½ cups Bread flour: Provides the perfect structure and chewiness to your rolls.
- 1 tablespoon Instant yeast: Ensures a reliable rise for soft and fluffy dough.
- ⅓ cup Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note to the dough.
- 1 ¼ cups Milk: Enriches the dough for a tender crumb and slight sweetness.
- 2 Eggs: Adds richness and structure.
- ¼ cup Butter, melted and cooled: Brings moisture and tenderizes the dough.
- ⅓ cup Pistachio cream (for filling): Delivers a luscious, nutty filling with a smooth texture.
- ¼ cup Butter (for frosting): Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
- 4 oz Cream cheese: Adds tang and creaminess to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the frosting with fragrant warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon Salt (for frosting): Sharpens sweetness and balances flavors.
- 2 cups Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 2 tablespoons Pistachio cream (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with a delightful pistachio flavor.
- 12 teaspoons Pistachio cream (for assembly): Helps seal the rolls and boost nutty flavor.
- ¼ cup Pistachios, toasted and chopped: Adds crunch and an irresistible toasted aroma.
How to Make Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the bread flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate container, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until everything comes together into a slightly sticky dough. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until your dough is smooth and elastic. This will give your cinnamon rolls their signature soft, yet structured texture.
Step 2: First Rise
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial because it develops flavor and ensures your rolls will be delightfully fluffy.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill
Once risen, gently punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, roughly 16×12 inches. Spread the pistachio cream evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to help seal it later. The pistachio cream gives it that fantastic nutty flavor that makes this Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe truly stand out.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Starting from the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Brush the seam with pistachio cream to seal it, then slice the log into 12 equal rolls. This step is where all your hard work starts looking like the beautiful, indulgent treat it will become.
Step 5: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish, making sure they’re close but not squished. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes to get puffy and soft.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown on top and smell absolutely heavenly. The smell of freshly baked pistachio cinnamon rolls will fill your kitchen in moments!
Step 7: Make the Pistachio Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar gradually, and pistachio cream. Mix until your frosting is luxuriously creamy and packed with pistachio flavor.
Step 8: Frost and Garnish
Once the rolls have cooled just slightly, generously spread the pistachio cream cheese frosting over each one. Sprinkle toasted chopped pistachios on top to add that perfect nutty crunch and a pop of color. You’ve officially experienced the magic of this Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe!
How to Serve Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped pistachios are my go-to garnish because they add texture and visual appeal. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle a little extra pistachio cream for that wow factor.
Side Dishes
Pistachio cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte. For a brunch spread, offer fresh fruit salad or a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, bake the rolls in individual ramekins or muffin tins—this makes serving a breeze and lends a charming personal touch. You can also drizzle some white chocolate over the rolls or add edible flowers for a festive, elegant look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but allow the rolls to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their comforting texture.
Freezing
This Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Freeze before baking or after baking and frosting—both ways work great.
Reheating
Warm your rolls in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individually for 20-30 seconds. This will refresh their softness and bring back that fresh-baked aroma, making every bite feel like new.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular cream for milk in this Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Yes, you can use regular cream, but keep in mind it will make the dough richer and possibly denser. You may want to dilute it with a bit of water to keep the same consistency as milk.
Is pistachio cream easy to find or can I make it at home?
Pistachio cream is available in many specialty stores and online, but you can make your own by blending roasted pistachios with a little sugar, oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
What’s the best flour to use for these cinnamon rolls?
Bread flour is ideal because it has higher protein content, which helps build gluten for a chewy, soft, and structured roll. You can use all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly different.
Can I add extra cinnamon to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the pistachio cream filling if you love a more traditional cinnamon flavor alongside the nuttiness.
How do I prevent the rolls from drying out after baking?
Make sure to cover them well with an airtight container or foil once cooled. You can also keep a small dish of water nearby in the fridge to help maintain moisture if you’re refrigerating them.
Final Thoughts
This Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves baking with a twist of nutty flavor and creamy frosting. The combination of fluffy rolls, smooth pistachio cream, and that subtle cinnamon warmth will brighten any morning or cozy gathering. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and watch these rolls become your new favorite indulgence!
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Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
These Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining fluffy homemade rolls with a rich pistachio cream filling and a luscious pistachio cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a special breakfast or indulgent brunch, these rolls offer a nutty, sweet flavor enhanced by warm vanilla and a touch of cinnamon.
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
Ingredients
Dough
- 5 ½ cups Bread flour
- 1 tablespoon Instant yeast
- ⅓ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups Milk
- 2 Eggs
- ¼ cup Butter, melted and cooled
Filling
- ⅓ cup Pistachio cream
Pistachio Cream Cheese Frosting
- ¼ cup Butter
- 4 oz Cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon Pistachio cream
Assembly
- 12 teaspoons Pistachio cream
- ¼ cup Pistachios, toasted and chopped
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted and cooled butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: Set aside ⅓ cup of pistachio cream for the filling. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface, about ¼-inch thick. Spread the pistachio cream evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log shape. Cut the log into 12 equal slices, each about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
- Second Rise: Arrange the slices cut-side up in a greased baking dish or pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar, and pistachio cream. Continue to beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Assemble: Spread 1 teaspoon of pistachio cream over the top of each warm cinnamon roll. Then generously frost each roll with the pistachio cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle toasted chopped pistachios on top for garnish.
- Serve: Enjoy the cinnamon rolls warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients where possible for easier dough mixing and yeasting.
- Ensure the melted butter is cooled so it does not kill the yeast when mixed.
- Letting the dough rise adequately contributes to light and fluffy rolls.
- Toast pistachios lightly to enhance their flavor before chopping for garnish.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate.
- To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or oven for a soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
