Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Tessa Wright

Created by

Tessa Wright

Last updated on 2025-12-20T22:36:05.217Z

These Perfect Pistachio Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, featuring a nutty pistachio filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Ideal for brunch or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Deliciously nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness
  • Creamy cream cheese frosting that complements the rolls perfectly
  • Great for special occasions or weekend breakfasts

The Perfect Balance of Flavor

Pistachio rolls are a delightful treat that perfectly marries the nutty flavor of pistachios with a hint of sweetness. The dough is soft and fluffy, providing a perfect canvas for the rich filling. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the pistachios, balanced beautifully with the cinnamon and brown sugar. This harmony of flavors makes these rolls a favorite for breakfast or dessert.

The addition of cream cheese frosting elevates these rolls even further. Its creamy texture and tangy sweetness complement the nutty filling, making it an irresistible topping. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature, the combination of flavors and textures in these pistachio rolls is sure to impress.

A Treat for Any Occasion

Perfect Pistachio Rolls are not just for special occasions; they are also a fantastic choice for weekend brunches or cozy family gatherings. Their inviting aroma fills the kitchen, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. Serve them alongside fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee for a complete breakfast experience that will please everyone at the table.

For celebrations, these rolls can be a stunning centerpiece. Their vibrant green color and appealing presentation make them a conversation starter. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a birthday brunch, these rolls add a touch of elegance and delight that your guests will love.

Tips for Success

To ensure your pistachio rolls turn out perfectly, pay attention to the dough's rising time. A warm environment is key to activating the yeast. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or near a heat source. This will help the dough rise efficiently, resulting in light and airy rolls.

When rolling out the dough, use enough flour on your surface to prevent sticking, but not so much that it alters the dough's texture. A thin, even layer of filling is essential for a nice balance. Finally, allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding the cream cheese frosting to prevent it from melting away.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

Filling

  • 1 cup pistachios, shelled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.

Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix chopped pistachios, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until combined.

Roll and Fill

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the pistachio filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 rolls.

Bake the Rolls

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Frost and Serve

Once the rolls are baked, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling with cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy!

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover pistachio rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving, or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

To keep the rolls fresh, you can freeze them before frosting. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

Variations to Try

While the classic pistachio filling is delicious, feel free to get creative with variations. Consider adding dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast to the sweet filling. For an added crunch, mix in some chopped dark chocolate or white chocolate chips to the pistachio mixture.

For a different flavor profile, swap out the pistachios for walnuts or almonds. Each nut brings its unique taste and texture, making for a delightful twist on this classic recipe. Experimenting with different nuts and fillings can lead to new family favorites!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before, then refrigerate and shape the rolls in the morning.

→ How should I store leftover rolls?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked rolls. Just thaw and let them rise before baking.

→ What can I substitute for pistachios?

You can use walnuts or pecans as a substitute, but keep in mind the flavor will change.

Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time55 minutes

Created by: Tessa Wright

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  3. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 cup milk, warmed
  6. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  7. 2 large eggs

Filling

  1. 1 cup pistachios, shelled and chopped
  2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  4. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Frosting

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 2 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Step 02

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 03

In a bowl, mix chopped pistachios, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until combined.

Step 04

Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the pistachio filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 rolls.

Step 05

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 06

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 07

Once the rolls are baked, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling with cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 6g