Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in these delightful Perfect Pistachio Rolls topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that will make your taste buds dance.

Margaret Hill

Created by

Margaret Hill

Last updated on 2025-12-23T03:48:44.401Z

These Perfect Pistachio Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, featuring a nutty pistachio filling and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for brunch or a sweet treat anytime!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Deliciously nutty flavor with every bite
  • Creamy and tangy frosting that complements the rolls perfectly
  • Great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee

The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, having a cozy coffee date, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these Perfect Pistachio Rolls are the ideal companion. Their soft, fluffy texture combined with the aromatic flavor of pistachios creates a delightful experience for your palate. Plus, the vibrant green from the pistachios adds a beautiful touch to any table setting.

Not only are these rolls delicious, but they also offer a unique twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. The nutty essence of pistachios paired with the creamy frosting elevates them into a gourmet treat. They’re perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying as a special snack. No matter the occasion, these rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Success

To ensure your pistachio rolls turn out perfectly every time, pay close attention to the dough's rising time. A warm, draft-free environment is ideal for yeast to activate, so find a cozy spot in your kitchen. If your dough isn't rising well, it might be due to expired yeast, so always check the date on the packet before you begin.

When it comes to rolling the dough, take your time to achieve an even thickness. This will ensure that your rolls bake uniformly, resulting in that perfect golden brown color. Additionally, don't skimp on the pistachio filling; the more you add, the richer the flavor will be in every bite.

Storing and Reheating

Ingredients

For the Rolls

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

For the Cream Cheese 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)

Gather these ingredients to create your Perfect Pistachio Rolls!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add the melted butter, salt, egg, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix the finely chopped pistachios with a little sugar and set aside.

Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the pistachio mixture evenly over the dough.

Form the Rolls

Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Bake the Rolls

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Make the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the consistency with milk if needed.

Frost and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious Perfect Pistachio Rolls!

Serving Suggestions

These Perfect Pistachio Rolls are delightful on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of beverages. Enjoy them with a rich cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea for a well-rounded treat. If you’re serving them at a gathering, consider a light fruit salad or yogurt on the side to balance the sweetness.

For a festive touch, sprinkle some crushed pistachios on top of the frosting for added texture and visual appeal. This simple addition not only enhances the presentation but also intensifies the pistachio flavor, making each roll even more irresistible.

Variations to Try

While the original pistachio filling is simply divine, feel free to experiment with other ingredients. You could add a hint of cardamom or cinnamon to the filling for a spiced twist. Alternatively, try mixing in some dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a burst of color and sweetness.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider making a chocolate version of these rolls by incorporating cocoa powder into the dough and adding chocolate chips to the filling. This would result in a rich, decadent treat that's sure to please chocolate lovers.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes, you can replace pistachios with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.

→ How do I store leftover rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

→ What can I serve with these rolls?

These rolls are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, or you can serve them with fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in these delightful Perfect Pistachio Rolls topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that will make your taste buds dance.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Margaret Hill

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

For the Rolls

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  4. 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  5. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  7. 1 large egg
  8. 1 cup pistachios, shelled and finely chopped

For the Cream Cheese 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 warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add the melted butter, salt, egg, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

Step 02

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 03

While the dough is rising, mix the finely chopped pistachios with a little sugar and set aside.

Step 04

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the pistachio mixture evenly over the dough.

Step 05

Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 06

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 07

While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the consistency with milk if needed.

Step 08

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 6g