Print

Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 12 Recipe

4.7 from 110 reviews

This Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls recipe yields 12 fluffy, buttery rolls filled with a sweet pistachio and cinnamon mixture, finished with a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Perfectly soft and flavorful, these homemade cinnamon rolls combine the crunch of chopped pistachios with warm cinnamon spice for a delightful breakfast or dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

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

Filling

  • 1 cup pistachios, shelled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • melted butter for brushing (approx. 2-3 tablespoons)

Glaze

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution of the salt throughout the flour.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter and eggs until fully combined. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to this mixture and stir well.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms. Use your hands or a mixer with a dough hook for easier handling.
  5. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten and gives the rolls their structure.
  6. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  7. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pistachios, mixing them evenly for a flavorful filling.
  8. Roll Out Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out onto a floured surface into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle.
  9. Spread Filling: Brush the rolled dough evenly with melted butter, then sprinkle the pistachio-cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the surface.
  10. Roll the Dough: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, sealing the edges as you go to keep the filling inside.
  11. Slice Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough log into 12 equal slices to form individual cinnamon rolls.
  12. Second Rise: Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish, cover them again, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes to puff up before baking.
  13. Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  14. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
  15. Cool Rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes to set.
  16. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable.
  17. Glaze Rolls: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls just before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative, but this may alter the texture slightly.
  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the pistachios lightly before chopping.
  • If the dough is too sticky during kneading, sprinkle with a little more flour sparingly to avoid dense rolls.
  • Cover the rising dough with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
  • Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth and spice.
  • For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk gradually.

Keywords: pistachio cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, pistachio rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, nutty cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls, breakfast rolls