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Freshly baked pistachio cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese glaze
Clara Whitley

Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls

Delightful rolls filled with creamy pistachios and topped with a light glaze, perfect for a cozy morning treat.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
  • 1 cup finely chopped pistachios (or walnuts/pecans as substitutes)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Method
 

Preparing the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the warm milk and sprinkle the yeast over it. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam.
  2. Stir in the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and salt, followed by gradually adding the flour.
  3. When the dough comes together, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until doubled in size.
Making the Filling
  1. Dust your work surface with flour and roll the risen dough into a rectangle about 16x12 inches.
  2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and finely chopped pistachios, then sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough.
  4. Roll the dough from the long side into a tight log, sealing the edges as you go.
  5. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.
  6. Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking the Rolls
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  3. While they bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze.
  4. Drizzle the glaze over the freshly baked rolls once they've cooled a bit.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

Notes

For a nut-free option, substitute pistachios with raisins or omit nuts entirely. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and flax eggs. You can also experiment with adding spices like cardamom or nutmeg for added flavor. To make ahead, prepare the dough and filling the night before and refrigerate overnight before baking.

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