Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon-Walnut Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough
Begin by dissolving the sugar and dry yeast in the lukewarm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to help the dough rise.
Next, add the egg and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture, and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead by hand for about 5-8 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Once the dough has come together, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. The warmth will activate the yeast and help the dough rise beautifully.
2. Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon-walnut filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until you have a smooth, spreadable mixture. If you’re using walnuts, chop them into small pieces and set them aside for later.
3. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. The dough should be soft and easy to work with, so if it’s too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
4. Assemble the Rolls
Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the filling, pressing them gently into the butter mixture to help them stick.
Starting from the longer edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the dough into 12-15 rolls, depending on how thick you want them. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion during baking.
5. Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another 30-45 minutes. They should puff up and become soft and airy, filling the baking dish.
6. Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. The smell of cinnamon and fresh-baked dough will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, and beat until fully combined and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Frost and Serve
Once the cinnamon rolls have finished baking, allow them to cool for just a few minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top. The frosting will melt into the warm rolls, adding a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet and spiced cinnamon filling.
Serve the rolls warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience!