Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in these fluffy pistachio rolls, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Clara Jennings

Created by

Clara Jennings

Last updated on 2025-12-20T23:15:48.446Z

These Perfect Pistachio Rolls are a delightful treat for any occasion. The combination of nutty pistachio flavor and creamy frosting creates a unique dessert that will impress your guests.

Why You'll Love These Rolls

  • Nutty pistachio flavor that’s both unique and delightful
  • Fluffy, soft texture that melts in your mouth
  • Decadent cream cheese frosting that complements the rolls perfectly

The Magic of Pistachios

Pistachios are not just a delicious nut, but they also bring a delightful twist to baked goods. Their unique flavor profile adds a rich, nutty essence to the rolls that elevates them beyond the ordinary. When finely chopped and incorporated into the dough, they create a wonderful texture and a burst of flavor in every bite. Not only do they taste amazing, but pistachios are also packed with nutrients, making these rolls a more wholesome treat.

In addition to their taste, pistachios can contribute to the overall aesthetic of your rolls. Their vibrant green color contrasts beautifully with the golden-brown dough, making these rolls visually appealing. This not only enhances the experience for the baker but also impresses guests when served. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a dessert, these pistachio rolls are sure to be a hit.

Cream Cheese Frosting: The Perfect Match

One of the standout features of this recipe is the luscious cream cheese frosting. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor perfectly complement the nutty sweetness of the pistachio rolls. The frosting is easy to make and can be whipped up in just a few minutes, making it a convenient addition to your baking routine. Simply blend together softened cream cheese and butter, and you have a delicious topping that takes these rolls to the next level.

This frosting not only adds flavor but also a delightful richness that enhances the overall experience. When spread generously over the cooled rolls, it forms a silky layer that melts into the warm pastry, creating a delightful contrast. You can even customize the frosting with additional flavors, such as almond extract or a hint of lemon zest, to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!

Perfect for Any Occasion

These perfect pistachio rolls are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. They can be served at brunches, family gatherings, or as a special treat for guests. Their delightful flavor and soft texture make them a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that they’ll be a hit no matter the setting. Plus, they are easy to transport, making them ideal for potlucks or picnics.

Moreover, these rolls can easily be made ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight before baking. This allows for fresh, warm rolls in the morning with minimal effort. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea, and you have a perfect way to start the day or end a meal on a sweet note.

Ingredients

For the Rolls

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup finely chopped pistachios

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Mix the ingredients well to ensure even flavor distribution.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. In another bowl, mix flour and salt.

Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Incorporate chopped pistachios.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Shape and Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Roll it tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.

Place in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy.

Frost and Serve

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

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

Storage Tips

To keep your pistachio rolls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing the rolls. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag after they have cooled completely. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore that warm, fresh-baked taste.

If you have any remaining cream cheese frosting, it can also be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it again to achieve that creamy consistency.

Variations to Try

While this recipe features pistachios, feel free to experiment with other nuts or add-ins. Chopped almonds or walnuts can provide a different texture and flavor profile. For a sweet twist, consider adding chocolate chips to the dough before baking, or drizzle some chocolate over the frosted rolls for an extra indulgence.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber to your rolls while still keeping them soft and delightful. Adjust the sugar levels to suit your taste, especially if you prefer a less sweet treat.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, unsalted butter works perfectly as well.

→ How can I store leftover rolls?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls. Just thaw and let them rise before baking.

→ What can I substitute for pistachios?

You can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds if preferred.

Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Delight in these fluffy pistachio rolls, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Clara Jennings

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. 1/4 cup sugar
  3. 1 packet active dry yeast
  4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  5. 1/2 cup warm milk
  6. 1/4 cup melted butter
  7. 1 large egg
  8. 1 cup finely chopped pistachios

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/4 cup butter, softened
  3. 2 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 2 tablespoons milk

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. In another bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Incorporate chopped pistachios.

Step 02

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 03

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Roll it tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 04

In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy.

Step 05

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 4g