Homemade Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls – a recipe that promises to elevate your breakfast game with a nutty-sweet twist that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for those cozy mornings or when you want to treat your loved ones to something special, these rolls have become a favorite in my home for their unique blend of rich pistachio butter and classic cinnamon-sugar filling. Whether you’re looking to impress guests effortlessly or simply satisfy your own cravings, these rolls are a must-try.

I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe on a winter day, seeking a smaller batch alternative to the usual giant cinnamon rolls. The aroma of these baking is enough to entice even the non-breakfast folks – just ask my sister and neighbor who couldn’t resist the temptation. It’s amazing how a creative twist on a classic can turn even the skeptics into fans. Pair these warm pistachio rolls with your favorite morning beverage for a delightful start to the day, or serve them alongside savory dishes for a balanced brunch. From lazy weekends to festive celebrations, these rolls are sure to create lasting memories around your table.

Quick Benefits

• Unique flavor profile: The combination of rich pistachio butter with traditional cinnamon-sugar filling creates a nutty-sweet flavor that sets these rolls apart from regular cinnamon rolls.
• Impressive and memorable: Perfect for impressing guests or converting skeptics with their irresistible aroma and flavor.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy them warm with coffee for a sweet breakfast treat, pair with savory dishes for brunch, or serve on special occasions for a memorable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of rich pistachio butter with traditional cinnamon-sugar filling creates a nutty-sweet flavor profile that is a delightful departure from regular cinnamon rolls.
• Perfect for Small Batches: Ideal for when you want to impress guests without the hassle of making a large batch, making it the perfect treat for cozy gatherings or special occasions.
• Impressive Aroma: The irresistible scent of these rolls baking will lure even the non-breakfast lovers out of bed, making it a great recipe for starting the day on a high note.
• Converts Skeptics: Even those who claim not to enjoy sweet breakfast treats find themselves indulging in these rolls, thanks to their irresistible taste and texture.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them with a cup of coffee for a sweet balance, pair them with savory dishes for brunch, or make them the star of your holiday breakfast spread.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance by refrigerating overnight, allowing for easy baking in the morning, and make the pistachio cream cheese icing ahead for stress-free serving.
• Memorable Moments: These rolls have the power to turn a regular morning into a special occasion, becoming a favorite breakfast choice for birthday celebrations, holiday mornings, or gatherings with loved ones.

Ingredients for Homemade Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Dough

• 2½ cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup very soft salted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar, divided

Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup heavy cream (for pouring over rolls)
• ½ cup pistachio cream/butter
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped pistachios

Pistachio Cream Cheese Icing

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup pistachio cream/butter

How to Make Homemade Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 3-5 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Combine egg, butter, and remaining sugar with the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Add flour and salt, mix until just combined. Rest dough for 5 minutes. Knead using a stand mixer with dough hook or by hand on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise in a warm location for approximately 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare Filling

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Grease a 10.5×7.5-inch baking pan or 8-inch round pan with butter while dough rises.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface and shape into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Spread pistachio cream evenly, leaving a ¼-inch border. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar and chopped pistachios. Roll dough tightly into a log from the long edge. Cut into 6 rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange rolls in the pan with space between each. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Warm heavy cream, then pour over proofed rolls. Bake for 23-30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Make the Icing

Allow rolls to cool for 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, pistachio cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Serve

Generously spread the icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared these delectable Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to enjoy them later, it’s best to refrigerate them. Cover the rolls tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, you can warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature to restore their soft and gooey texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked pistachio cinnamon rolls. Wrap them individually or in a single layer in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Stored this way, they can last in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. To enjoy them from frozen, simply let the rolls thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven before serving. This way, you can enjoy these delightful treats whenever a craving strikes, and they will taste just as fresh as when they were first baked.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in this small batch pistachio cream cinnamon roll recipe, you can consider using almond butter or hazelnut butter instead of pistachio cream/butter if you have those on hand. These nut butters can provide a similar rich and nutty flavor to enhance the rolls. Additionally, if you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute without a significant impact on the texture of the cinnamon rolls.

If you prefer a different type of nut or want to add more texture variation, chopped almonds or walnuts can replace the chopped pistachios in the filling. This adjustment can bring a different crunch and flavor profile to the rolls while still maintaining the overall essence of the recipe. Feel free to customize the nuts based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative twist on serving these Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls, try turning them into a decadent dessert by pairing them with a scoop of pistachio ice cream. Simply warm the rolls slightly before serving and top them with a generous scoop of pistachio ice cream for a delightful combination of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and cold, creamy ice cream.

Another fun serving idea is to use the pistachio cream cheese icing as a dip for fresh fruit skewers. Cut up a variety of fruits such as strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi, and arrange them on skewers for a colorful and refreshing accompaniment to the rich and sweet pistachio rolls. The tangy cream cheese icing pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the fruits, creating a light and satisfying snack or dessert option.

FAQs for Homemade Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Can I make these pistachio cream cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls through the cutting and arranging in the pan, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator about 1-2 hours before baking to allow them to come to room temperature and complete their second rise.

Can I freeze the pistachio cream cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls (without icing) in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

How can I store the leftover pistachio cream cinnamon rolls?

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature to enjoy them warm again.

Can I use a different type of nut butter in place of pistachio cream/butter?

Yes, you can substitute any other nut butter of your choice for the pistachio cream/butter in this recipe. Almond butter or hazelnut butter would be great alternatives that still provide a rich and nutty flavor.

Conclusion

These flavorful Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls have truly become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for creating unforgettable moments with loved ones. The nutty-sweet aroma that fills the house as they bake is just the beginning of the joy they bring. Whether you’re looking to surprise guests, convert breakfast skeptics, or simply treat yourself to something special, these rolls are sure to delight.

So, the next time you’re craving a comforting and indulgent breakfast treat, remember the magic of these Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls. Whether enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee on a leisurely weekend morning or shared during a festive holiday brunch, these rolls have a way of turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. Embrace the process of making them, savor the delicious results, and create lasting memories around the table with every delightful bite of these pistachio-infused treats.