🌟 Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting 🌟

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in these delightful pistachio rolls topped with a creamy frosting that will leave your taste buds singing!

Imogen Price

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2025-12-11T10:08:09.475Z

These Perfect Pistachio Rolls are not only a treat for the eyes but also for the palate. Inspired by traditional cinnamon rolls, these pastries are elevated with the unique flavor of pistachios and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich pistachio flavor with a delightful crunch
  • Creamy frosting that perfectly complements the rolls
  • Easy to make and sure to impress your guests

The Joy of Baking

Baking can be a therapeutic experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the process while creating something delicious. There's a unique joy that comes from kneading dough, watching it rise, and then transforming it into warm, fluffy rolls. The aroma that fills your kitchen as these pistachio rolls bake is simply irresistible, promising a delightful treat for yourself and your loved ones.

Not only is baking a rewarding activity, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to bond with family and friends. Gather your loved ones for a fun baking session, where everyone can pitch in to prepare these scrumptious pistachio rolls. Whether it's rolling the dough or spreading the cream cheese frosting, the shared experience will create lasting memories.

Pistachios: A Nutty Delight

Pistachios are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. These vibrant green nuts are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. They also contain antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body. Incorporating pistachios into your recipes, like these rolls, adds a delightful crunch and flavor while boosting their nutritional value.

When using pistachios in your baking, it's essential to choose high-quality nuts. Look for shelled pistachios, preferably unsalted, to ensure the best flavor in your rolls. Their unique taste pairs perfectly with sweet and creamy elements, making them an ideal choice for this recipe. Plus, their vibrant color adds a lovely visual appeal, making your rolls not only delicious but beautiful as well.

Tips for Perfect Rolls

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start for a smoother cooking experience.

Dough

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

Filling

  • 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Make sure all your ingredients are fresh for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect pistachio rolls!

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead until a smooth dough forms.

Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix the finely chopped pistachios, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until well combined.

Roll and Fill

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the pistachio filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly into a log.

Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Bake the Rolls

Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Frost and Serve

Once the rolls have cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious pistachio rolls with a cup of coffee or tea!

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover pistachio rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. However, for the best flavor and texture, enjoy them fresh. If you want to savor them later, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezing is also an option! Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above for a delightful treat any day of the week.

Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! While the pistachio filling is delightful on its own, you can mix in other ingredients for added flavor. Consider adding a handful of chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the filling for a sweet twist. You can also experiment with spices; a touch of nutmeg or cardamom can enhance the overall flavor profile of your rolls.

For a different frosting option, try adding a citrus twist with lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese frosting. This brightens the flavor and adds an exciting contrast to the rich rolls. Alternatively, you can replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a lighter finishing touch that still complements the rolls wonderfully.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes.

→ How should I store leftover rolls?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze them before baking, then thaw and bake when ready.

→ What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

🌟 Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting 🌟

Indulge in these delightful pistachio rolls topped with a creamy frosting that will leave your taste buds singing!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Imogen Price

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/4 cup sugar
  3. 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  5. 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  6. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  7. 1 large egg

Filling

  1. 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
  2. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  4. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Frosting

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 2 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix the finely chopped pistachios, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until well combined.

Step 03

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the pistachio filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 04

Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Step 05

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 06

Once the rolls have cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g