Name: Cinnamon Rolls with Nuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup honey; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter; 3/4 cup walnuts (chopped); 1/2 cup pistachios (chopped); 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cans canned cinnamon rolls

Print Recipe· 4.4 from 9 reviews

If you are looking to delight your taste buds and fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma, this Cinnamon Rolls with Nuts Recipe is your perfect go-to. Combining the soft, fluffy sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls with a rich, nutty twist, this recipe brings together the warm embrace of cinnamon, the satisfying crunch of walnuts and pistachios, and a luscious honey-butter glaze that elevates every bite. Whether it’s a special weekend brunch or a cozy dessert, these rolls promise a spectacular treat that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several raw cinnamon rolls placed on a white marbled surface, each roll having a spiral shape with light beige dough and darker cinnamon swirls inside. The tops of the rolls are sprinkled with crushed green pistachios and brown nut crumbs which add texture. Near the rolls, there is a white bowl with a gold rim filled with coarsely chopped mixed nuts. A small bunch of purple flowers is visible on the upper right side, adding color contrast to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to crafting these irresistible cinnamon rolls. Each component plays its role beautifully—from the sweetness to the texture and flavor depth—making the preparation straightforward yet rewarding.

Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the glaze that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Honey (1/2 cup): Brings natural sweetness and a distinct floral note that enriches the sauce.
Heavy cream (3/4 cup): Gives a velvety richness to the glaze, balancing the sugars and nuts.
Unsalted butter (5 Tablespoons): Offers buttery flavor and helps create the glossy, luscious syrup.
Walnuts, chopped (3/4 cup): Contribute a hearty crunch and an earthy nuttiness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Pistachios, chopped (1/2 cup): Add a vibrant color and slightly sweet flavor that brighten the rolls.
Granulated sugar (2 Tablespoons): Enhances the nut mixture with a touch of extra sweetness and crunch.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Imparts the warm spice signature to cinnamon rolls, subtly blended into the nuts.
Canned cinnamon rolls (2 cans): The convenient base that lets you whip up this indulgent treat with ease and great results.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Nuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Syrup

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a perfect baking temperature. Then, combine brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, and butter in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. This golden syrup will become the luscious glaze that makes the cinnamon rolls irresistibly moist and flavorful.

Step 2: Mix the Nut Filling

While the syrup cools, stir together the chopped walnuts, pistachios, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture brings a satisfying crunch and a delightful burst of warmth in every bite of the cinnamon rolls.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Carefully unroll each cinnamon roll dough from the canned package and generously spoon the nut filling over each one. Roll the dough back up tightly, ensuring the nuts stay evenly distributed for maximum texture and flavor.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Grease a 9×9 baking dish and pour half of the syrup onto the bottom. Place the prepared cinnamon rolls on top, then drizzle the remaining syrup over them. Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture evenly on the rolls for an extra crunchy topping. Bake for 40 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown and fluffy. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving to soak up all those luscious flavors.

How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls with Nuts Recipe

A white square baking dish holds nine cinnamon rolls closely placed in a 3x3 grid. Each roll is thick, golden-brown with a darker caramelized top, showing visible soft layers spiraled inward. The rolls are covered with a shiny brown glaze sauce that pools slightly around them, topped with small, chopped nuts scattered unevenly over the surface. The dish sits on a white marbled textured surface with a small bunch of purple flowers visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of cream cheese frosting to bring a delicate sweetness and creamy complement to the nutty rolls. For an extra flair, consider a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios to add vibrant green color that makes them even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with fresh seasonal fruit or a bowl of Greek yogurt to balance the sweet richness with refreshing or tangy elements. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea also makes for the perfect companion, enhancing the warm cinnamon flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls on a rustic wooden board surrounded by scattered nuts and a small dish of your leftover glaze for dipping. For brunch gatherings, stack them in a festive basket lined with parchment paper, inviting guests to grab and enjoy with ease. You can even place individual cinnamon rolls in cute ramekins for single servings that feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, giving you the option to enjoy this Cinnamon Rolls with Nuts Recipe beyond just one day.

Freezing

To freeze, place the unbaked rolls in a baking dish covered tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed with baking as directed for fresh-from-the-oven goodness.

Reheating

Warm leftover or frozen rolls in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick warm-up, but an oven reheating keeps the rolls delightfully soft and improves the glaze’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts in this Cinnamon Rolls with Nuts Recipe?

Absolutely! While walnuts and pistachios give a wonderful flavor and texture, feel free to experiment with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe from scratch instead of using canned cinnamon rolls?

Yes, if you love a challenge, homemade cinnamon roll dough can be used instead. Just roll out your dough, add the nut mixture, and bake as directed. The homemade touch will add extra love and freshness.

How do I prevent the nut topping from burning during baking?

Drizzling the syrup over the rolls before sprinkling the nuts creates a protective barrier that helps prevent burning. Also, keep an eye on the rolls during the last 5-10 minutes and cover loosely with foil if needed.

Can I make the syrup vegan?

For a vegan version, replace the heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and plant-based butter substitutes. The honey can be swapped out for maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the sweetness intact.

What’s the best way to store and serve these rolls for a brunch party?

Bake the rolls the night before, store covered at room temperature, and warm gently before serving. Arrange on a beautiful platter with some extra nuts and garnish for an inviting presentation that will wow your guests.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Cinnamon Rolls with Nuts Recipe—its rich flavors, delightful mix of textures, and simple preparation make it a treasured addition to your baking repertoire. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll quickly become the star of your brunch table and the most requested treat by family and friends. So go ahead, bake a batch and enjoy the warm, nutty goodness that’s as comforting as a hug.

Cinnamon Rolls with Nuts Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need