Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Treat yourself to the delightful combination of soft, fluffy pistachio rolls topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. These irresistible sweet rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and will impress your family and friends. With their nutty flavor and creamy topping, they're sure to become a new favorite in your cookie recipes collection.

Olivia Hayes

Created by

Olivia Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-01T16:25:46.142Z

These perfect pistachio rolls encapsulate the beauty of baking with nuts, offering not just flavor but also texture. Each roll is soft and airy, combined with a luxurious cream cheese frosting that balances the nuttiness of the pistachios. Perfect for any occasion, they bring warmth and delight to your table.

The Magic of Pistachios

Pistachios are not just a tasty snack; they're a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor. These green gems pack a punch with their rich, buttery taste, making them a perfect addition to sweet dough recipes. They provide a delightful crunch and a hint of earthiness that elevates the overall flavor profile of your rolls. Plus, pistachios are rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein, making your indulgence a little less guilty.

When incorporated into baked goods, pistachios can enhance not only the taste but also the texture. With every bite of these pistachio rolls, you’ll experience a perfect balance of softness from the dough and crunch from the nuts. This contrast makes them irresistible and adds a gourmet touch to your home baking.

Cream Cheese Frosting: A Perfect Pair

What's better than a soft, fluffy roll? One that's topped with creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting! This frosting is the perfect partner for pistachio rolls, as its tanginess beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the dough. Made from just a few simple ingredients, it comes together quickly and can be customized with flavors like vanilla or almond for added depth.

The key to an outstanding cream cheese frosting is ensuring your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature, allowing for easy blending. The result is a smooth, spreadable frosting that complements the rolls without overpowering their flavor. A generous layer of this creamy topping transforms your pistachio rolls into a truly indulgent treat.

Versatile Treat for Any Occasion

These perfect pistachio rolls are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a brunch, celebrating a special holiday, or simply treating yourself on a lazy Sunday morning, these rolls will impress everyone around the table. Their beautiful presentation and enticing aroma will have guests asking for seconds.

You can even experiment with different fillings or toppings to suit your taste preferences. Adding chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon can provide new flavor profiles that are equally delightful. With the foundation of these delectable rolls, the options are endless, making them a fantastic canvas for your baking creativity.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pistachios

Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly before beginning the recipe.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, and eggs.

Gradually add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Knead until a soft dough forms.

Incorporate Pistachios

Once the dough is ready, fold in the chopped pistachios until evenly distributed. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape the Rolls

After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface. Cut into rectangles, spread a bit of butter, and roll each piece tightly. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool.

Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter. Beat until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

Frost and Serve

Once the rolls have cooled, generously frost them with cream cheese frosting. Serve and enjoy your perfect pistachio rolls!

Make sure to enjoy these rolls fresh for the best flavor!

Storage Tips

To enjoy your perfect pistachio rolls for days, proper storage is essential. Once they've cooled completely, place them in an airtight container, and they should stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When you're ready to indulge, simply thaw the rolls at room temperature or reheat them in a warm oven for a few minutes. The warmth will bring back their soft, fluffy texture, making them taste freshly baked even after freezing.

Serving Suggestions

While these pistachio rolls shine on their own, serving them with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can enhance the experience. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios over the frosting adds an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

For a delightful morning treat, pair your rolls with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The nutty flavors of the rolls complement a variety of warm beverages, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for breakfasts or brunch gatherings.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight before baking.

→ What can I substitute for pistachios?

You can use walnuts, almonds, or pecans if you prefer a different nut flavor.

Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Treat yourself to the delightful combination of soft, fluffy pistachio rolls topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. These irresistible sweet rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and will impress your family and friends. With their nutty flavor and creamy topping, they're sure to become a new favorite in your cookie recipes collection.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Olivia Hayes

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 package active dry yeast
  3. 1 cup warm milk
  4. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  5. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  6. 2 large eggs
  7. 1 teaspoon salt
  8. 1 cup chopped pistachios

Frosting

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 2 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Knead until a soft dough forms.

Step 02

Once the dough is ready, fold in the chopped pistachios until evenly distributed. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 03

After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface. Cut into rectangles, spread a bit of butter, and roll each piece tightly. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish.

Step 04

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool.

Step 05

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and butter. Beat until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 06

Once the rolls have cooled, generously frost them with cream cheese frosting. Serve and enjoy your perfect pistachio rolls!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 12g