Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s as impressive as it is irresistible, look no further than this Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how these rolls come out tender, nutty, and topped with a dreamy, tangy frosting that keeps me coming back for more. Whether you’re serving brunch, a coffee date, or a special dessert, these rolls will become your go-to showstopper.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe come together to create a harmony of textures and flavors — from the tender dough to the nutty filling and luscious frosting. I like to find fresh pistachios and full-fat cream cheese for the best results.

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for a soft yet sturdy structure that holds the roll’s shape well.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the pistachio flavor.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps with dough structure.
• Fresh yeast or dry yeast: Essential for that perfect rise and tender crumb.
• Sour cream: For moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast and softens the dough.
• Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb; use unsalted for precise flavor control.
• Coarse salt: Enhances overall flavor — don’t skip!
• Ground natural pistachios: The star of our filling, fresh and finely ground for best taste and texture.
• Powdered sugar: Both in the filling and frosting, it dissolves easily for smooth sweetness.
• Cream cheese: For the frosting’s creamy, tangy kick; let it soften before mixing.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into the frosting for lightness and a silky finish.
• Crushed pistachios: Garnish for added crunch and visual appeal.

Variations

Although I stick to the classic pistachios and cream cheese frosting most times, I love experimenting with this recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. You’ll find that slight tweaks can make it feel entirely new.

• Nut Swap: I once replaced pistachios with chopped walnuts for a richer, bolder flavor—still delicious but different.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap cream cheese and butter for vegan alternatives; results are still moist and tasty, just a bit lighter in flavor.
• Spiced Filling: Adding a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the pistachio filling lends a warm, aromatic note I’m totally obsessed with during fall.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the frosted rolls—trust me, it’s a game-changer!

How to Make Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Dough for Tender Rolls

This is the foundation, so it’s worth taking your time. In a mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, I mix together the egg, warm milk, sour cream, sugar, and yeast first to activate that yeast early. Gradually add the flour and salt, then slowly incorporate softened butter. Kneading for about 10 minutes on a higher speed really develops that silky gluten structure you want — the dough becomes smooth and elastic. A good rise, roughly an hour until it doubles, is key for those airy, soft rolls. I learned early on that skimping on kneading makes the dough dense—so give it that patient push!

Step 2: Mixing the Pistachio Filling

While the dough is rising, it’s the perfect time to prepare the filling. Combine the ground pistachios, powdered sugar, and softened butter until you get a smooth, spreadable paste. If your pistachios are too coarse, I recommend pulsing them a few more times in a food processor—no one wants a lumpy filling! This luscious spread is an absolute pleasure to work with and adds that signature depth to the rolls.

Step 3: Shaping and Filling Your Rolls

Divide the risen dough into two equal parts and roll each into a thin rectangle. Spread the pistachio filling right on top, making sure it goes edge to edge. If your filling has cooled and gotten stiff, I’ve found that microwaving it in short bursts softens it perfectly without melting it. Then, slice the dough carefully into strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife—aim for even thickness so the rolls bake uniformly. Roll each strip into a spiral, flatten slightly, and place them spaced out in your baking pan for the final rise.

Step 4: Baking and Preparing the Frosting

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) in turbo mode. Bake the rolls for about 35 minutes or until you see that gorgeous golden brown color all over. While they cool, whip up the frosting by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. Refrigerate it until ready to spread so it stays nicely firm.

Step 5: Frosting and Finishing Touches

Once the rolls have cooled completely, slather on generous dollops of that creamy frosting. The contrast between warm rolls and cold frosting is magical, but I prefer frosting once cooled so it doesn’t melt away. Top with crushed pistachios for that crunchy, pretty finish. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for this Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe again and again!

How to Serve Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these rolls with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios—that little extra crunch and the vibrant green color brighten everything up. Sometimes, I’ll add a light dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness and a pretty finish.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with a cup of fresh coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit salad or a savory cheese platter to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve hosted brunch, I’ve arranged the rolls on a big wooden board with edible flowers and small bowls of extra crushed pistachios for guests to sprinkle themselves. For holiday gatherings, dusting with a hint of cinnamon or adding a drizzle of white chocolate adds elegance that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for about 3 days. Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is a must to keep everything tasting fresh and safe.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these rolls both before and after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap the shaped rolls tightly and freeze—then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. After baking and frosting, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, I like warming individual rolls in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until soft and warm, but be careful not to melt the frosting completely. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute bake at 300°F helps refresh the texture nicely without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has been such a delightful discovery for me — the balance of nutty, sweet, and tangy flavors combined with soft, fluffy dough is pure magic. Baking these in my kitchen always fills the house with the coziest aroma, stretching anticipation to the max! I can’t recommend highly enough that you try making these yourself. Whether it’s a cozy weekend project or a stunning addition to your next brunch, you’ll find that once you’ve mastered this recipe, it becomes a beloved staple that friends and family rave about too.

Print