Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate sweet treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious, look no further than this Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how these fluffy, nutty rolls come together with a creamy frosting that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself (no judgment!), you’ll find that this recipe hits all the right notes—flavorful, tender, and just the right amount of sweetness. Stick around, because I’m going to share everything you need to nail these rolls perfectly in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients team up to give you a rich, buttery dough with a lush pistachio filling and the silkiest cream cheese frosting. I recommend using fresh pistachios and real cream cheese to truly taste the difference.

• Flour: All-purpose or bread flour works well; bread flour gives a slightly chewier texture.
• Sugar: Plain granulated sugar for the dough and powdered sugar for the filling and frosting for smoothness.
• Egg: Adds richness and color to the dough.
• Fresh yeast (or dry yeast): I prefer fresh yeast when I can get it because it gives a lovely rise and flavor.
• Sour cream: Plays a key role in keeping the dough tender and moist.
• Milk: Warmed slightly to help activate the yeast.
• Butter: Use unsalted and room temperature for the filling, melted for the dough; it adds that rich buttery depth.
• Coarse salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Ground natural pistachios: You want unsalted, shelled pistachios finely ground for the filling’s smooth texture.
• Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the frosting its luscious tang.
• Heavy whipping cream: Helps keep the frosting light and fluffy.
• Crushed pistachios: For garnish — adds crunch and a pretty finishing touch.

Variations

I love that this Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is very versatile — you can easily tweak it for your preferences or dietary needs. I’ve made it a few ways and always enjoyed the results.

• Nut Swaps: If you or your guests aren’t big on pistachios, try walnuts or almonds instead; I found walnuts add a nice earthiness.
• Sweetener Adjustments: Use honey or maple syrup in place of some sugar for a different kind of sweetness; just remember to adjust the dough moisture.
• Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free spin, swap sour cream with coconut yogurt and butter with coconut oil; it changes the flavor but keeps the texture pleasant.
• Spiced Filling: I’ve sometimes added a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the filling to give it a warm twist that really wakes up your senses.

How to Make Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough like a Pro

Start by waking up your yeast with warm milk and sugar (not too hot or you risk killing the yeast!). In a mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine egg, warmed milk, sour cream, sugar, yeast, flour, and salt. Slowly add butter while mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Then crank the speed to medium-high and knead for about 10 minutes. This step is super important because properly kneaded dough will become smooth and elastic, which means soft rolls later. After kneading, cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size — about one hour. I usually put mine near a sunny window or inside my turned-off but warm oven.

Step 2: Whip Up the Luscious Pistachio Filling

While the dough is rising, mix ground pistachios, powdered sugar, and room temperature butter in a bowl. Stir until you get a smooth, spreadable paste. If your butter is too cold, the filling will be hard to spread, so I like to leave it out ahead of time or soften quickly in the microwave for a few seconds at a time.

Step 3: Roll, Fill, and Shape

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and divide it in half. Roll each piece into a thin, even rectangle. Spread your pistachio filling evenly over the dough, covering every inch. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into strips and roll each strip into a tight spiral. Flatten the rolls just a bit and place them spaced apart in your baking pan. Let them rest and rise again for about 45 minutes — this second rise makes a huge difference in fluffiness!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) on the turbo or convection setting if you have it. Bake the rolls for roughly 35 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown all around. I like to rotate my pan halfway through baking to ensure even coloring. Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool slightly before frosting—it helps prevent your frosting from melting into a mess.

Step 5: Cream Cheese Frosting Magic

Mix cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate the frosting until needed to keep it fresh and nicely spreadable. When your rolls are cool, slather on the frosting generously. Don’t forget to sprinkle crushed pistachios on top for that irresistible crunch and gorgeous presentation.

How to Serve Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle crushed pistachios on top after frosting — it adds that perfect nutty crunch and makes the rolls look extra special. Sometimes, I throw a light dusting of powdered sugar on top as well for a delicate finish.

Side Dishes

These rolls are wonderful with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea. If I’m serving a brunch, I like pairing them with fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or celebrations, I arrange the pistachio rolls on a wooden board with edible flowers and pistachio halves for a stunning display. You can also serve them in mini bunt pans for individual-sized rolls, which always impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. After that, I move them to the fridge to keep the frosting fresh. Just bring them back to room temp before enjoying for best flavor.

Freezing

I freeze the baked rolls without frosting, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect from freezer burn. When I’m ready to eat them, I thaw overnight in the fridge and frost fresh the next day. This way, the frosting stays vibrant and doesn’t get soggy.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a roll or two into a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warm and soft. Avoid the microwave if you can—it makes the dough chewy instead of tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make when I want to wow guests or treat myself to something special. Every time I pull them fresh from the oven and spread that creamy frosting over the warm rolls, I’m reminded how a few simple ingredients and a little love can create magic in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how your home smells, how your family reacts, and most of all, how delicious these rolls taste. Trust me, this will become your go-to when you want something beyond ordinary that’s totally unforgettable.

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