🍥 Soft & Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls
with Cream Cheese Frosting (Mediterranean Twist)
🧺 Ingredients (9–12 rolls)
Dough
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¾ cup warm milk (about 38–40°C / 100–105°F)
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2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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¼ cup raw cane sugar or honey
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1 large egg, room temperature
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¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (or melted butter)
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3–3½ cups all-purpose flour (or half whole-wheat)
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½ tsp sea salt
Filling
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¼ cup soft butter
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½ cup brown sugar
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1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
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¾ cup finely chopped walnuts
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1 tsp orange zest (optional Mediterranean touch)
Cream Cheese Frosting
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115 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
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2 tbsp Greek yogurt (lightens the frosting)
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2 tbsp soft butter
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¾–1 cup powdered sugar, to taste
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1–2 tbsp milk (if needed)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dough
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In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Rest 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Add egg, olive oil, salt, and flour.
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Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling
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Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, walnuts, and orange zest.
3️⃣ Shape the Rolls
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Roll dough into a 30 × 40 cm (12 × 16 in) rectangle.
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Spread butter evenly. Sprinkle filling all over.
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Roll tightly from the long side and cut into rolls.
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Arrange in a greased baking dish.
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Cover and rise 30–40 minutes.
4️⃣ Bake
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Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
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Bake 22–25 minutes, until lightly golden and fluffy.
5️⃣ Make the Frosting
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Beat cream cheese, yogurt, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
6️⃣ Frost & Serve
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Spread frosting over warm rolls for melty goodness or cool rolls for a thicker swirl.
🌿 Mediterranean Baking Tips
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Olive oil keeps rolls tender for days
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Walnuts add heart-healthy fats
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Orange zest enhances warmth without overpowering
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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With Greek coffee or tea
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For brunch or holiday mornings
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Perfect for make-ahead & freeze
💡 Variations
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Honey-sweetened
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Raisin-walnut
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Whole-wheat
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No-frosting breakfast rolls
