Indulgent Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
These indulgent pistachio cream cinnamon rolls offer a rich twist on a classic favorite. Filled with a creamy pistachio butter filling and topped with luscious cream cheese icing, they are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat.

Ingredients
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup pistachio butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Warm the milk slightly and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it bloom for about 5 minutes until frothy. Then mix in the egg and softened butter.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the wet ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 3: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Step 4: While the dough rises, prepare the filling by blending the pistachio butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
- Step 5: Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the pistachio filling evenly over the dough.
- Step 6: Carefully roll the dough into a log and cut it into 4 to 6 equal rolls.
- Step 7: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 23 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 9: To make the icing, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
- Step 10: Spread the icing over the warm rolls and top with chopped pistachios if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, substitute margarine for butter, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese or mascarpone alternatives.
- Using Vietnamese cinnamon will give a stronger and more aromatic cinnamon flavor.
- Try sprinkling extra chopped pistachios on top for added texture and nutty crunch.
- Gluten-free flour blends can be used to make these rolls suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.
Storage
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to enjoy the cream cheese icing at its best.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out and filling.
How do I prevent rolls from getting soggy?
Make sure not to overfill the rolls with filling and bake them until golden brown. Also, avoid adding too much icing while the rolls are still hot; allow them to cool slightly first.
PrintIndulgent Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Indulgent Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls offer a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat, featuring a rich pistachio butter filling and a luscious cream cheese icing. These soft, fluffy rolls are elevated by the nutty flavor of pistachios combined with the warm spice of cinnamon, perfect for special occasions or a cozy morning indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling
- ⅓ cup pistachio butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Optional Topping
- Chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Warm and Bloom Yeast: Warm the milk to a lukewarm temperature to activate the yeast without killing it. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it bloom for about 5 minutes until frothy. Mix in the egg and softened butter to combine well.
- Make Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until a sticky dough forms, ensuring thorough incorporation without overmixing.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and place it in a warm area. Let it rise until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour, allowing the yeast to develop flavor and texture.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix the pistachio butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined to create the flavorful filling.
- Shape Rolls: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the pistachio filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough into a tight log and slice into 4 to 6 equal-sized rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the sliced rolls into a baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls undergo their second rise.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 23 to 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Make Icing: While the rolls bake, blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Ice and Serve: After baking, allow the rolls to cool slightly, then generously spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios if desired, and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- You can substitute the egg with a flax egg to make the recipe vegan.
- For a dairy-free version, use margarine instead of butter and non-dairy cream alternatives.
- Gluten-free flour blends can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
- Using Vietnamese cinnamon will give a more intense cinnamony flavor.
- Ensure milk is warm, not hot, when mixing with yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
- Allow enough time for both rises to ensure soft, fluffy rolls.
- Chilling the dough slightly before shaping can make rolling easier but is optional.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to enjoy later.
Keywords: Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls, Cream Cheese Icing, Breakfast Rolls, Nutty Cinnamon Rolls, Homemade Sweet Rolls

