Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
These Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat made from scratch with a soft, yeasted dough layered with a rich pistachio butter filling. Topped with an indulgent pistachio cream cheese icing, these cinnamon rolls combine nutty, creamy, and sweet flavors into one perfect warm pastry. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert, this recipe yields 4 to 6 rolls ideal for a small gathering or family.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough
- 3/4 cup warm milk (lukewarm, about 100°F/38°C)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/3 cup pistachio butter or pistachio cream
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional, for crunch)
Icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons pistachio butter
- Make the Dough: Warm the milk until just lukewarm, then mix it with yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Whisk in the egg and softened butter. In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt, then gradually add the wet ingredients while mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, combine the pistachio butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in chopped pistachios if using, to add texture.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has doubled, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll into a rectangle approximately 9×12 inches. Spread the pistachio filling evenly over the dough, then roll tightly from one long edge into a log. Slice into 4 to 6 equal rolls depending on desired size.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls close together in a greased baking dish or pan. Cover again and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes, until the rolls are puffy and nearly touching.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 23 to 30 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. The rolls should feel soft and tender but baked inside.
- Make the Pistachio Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls bake, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and pistachio butter until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
- Ice & Serve: Spread the pistachio cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls so it melts into the layers. Garnish with additional chopped pistachios if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use lukewarm milk to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- For a richer roll, substitute bread flour with half all-purpose and half bread flour.
- Chopped pistachios are optional but add a delightful crunch.
- The rolls are best enjoyed warm on the day they are baked but can be reheated gently the next day.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate wrapped for up to 4 days.
Keywords: Pistachio cinnamon rolls, pistachio cream cheese icing, small batch cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, nutty cinnamon rolls, easy cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastries