Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the rich flavor and texture of these Perfect Pistachio Rolls topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

Lucy Bennett

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2025-12-20T20:31:00.941Z

These Perfect Pistachio Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the nutty flavor of pistachios with a creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to impress your guests!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Unique pistachio flavor that stands out
  • Decadent cream cheese frosting adds a perfect sweetness
  • Great for sharing at gatherings or as a special dessert

The Irresistible Texture of Pistachio Rolls

Pistachio rolls are a delightful combination of soft, fluffy dough and the unique crunch of ground pistachios. Each bite offers a satisfying contrast between the tender bread and the nutty filling. This texture not only enhances the eating experience but also makes these rolls visually appealing. The vibrant green of the pistachios peeking through the soft, golden-brown exterior creates a stunning presentation that is sure to impress your guests.

The lightness of the dough is achieved through a careful yeast activation process, allowing it to rise beautifully. This pillowy texture is essential for a perfect roll, ensuring that they are not overly dense. The balance between the soft dough and the nutty pistachio filling provides a memorable flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Perfect Pairing with Cream Cheese Frosting

The cream cheese frosting elevates these pistachio rolls to a whole new level of indulgence. Its creamy, rich consistency complements the nutty flavor of the pistachios, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. The slight tanginess of the cream cheese balances the sweetness, making it an ideal topping that enhances rather than overwhelms the rolls.

Made with just a few simple ingredients, this frosting is easy to whip up while the rolls are baking. The addition of vanilla extract adds depth, rounding out the flavor beautifully. Once spread over the cooled rolls, the frosting forms a luscious layer that invites you to dive right in.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These pistachio rolls are not just a treat for special occasions; they are versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of the year. Whether you're hosting a brunch, celebrating a holiday, or simply looking for a sweet snack, these rolls are sure to be a hit. Their unique flavor makes them stand out, offering something different from traditional cinnamon or fruit rolls.

They are also great for sharing. Pack them up as gifts or bring them to gatherings, and watch as they disappear quickly. Friends and family will appreciate the effort you put into making such a delightful dessert, and you’ll enjoy the joy they bring to others.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious rolls:

For the Rolls

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect pistachio rolls:

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, add sugar, melted butter, salt, egg, and flour. Knead until smooth, about 5 minutes.

Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

Add the Pistachios

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Sprinkle ground pistachios evenly over the dough.

Roll and Cut

Roll the dough tightly and slice into 12 equal pieces. 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, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.

Frost the Rolls

Once the rolls are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and serve.

Enjoy your delicious pistachio rolls warm or at room temperature!

Tips for the Best Pistachio Rolls

To ensure your pistachio rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider measuring your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help you achieve the right flour-to-liquid ratio, which is crucial for a successful dough. Additionally, make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. If you’re unsure, you can test it by mixing it with warm water and a pinch of sugar; it should become frothy within a few minutes.

When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking. This will help all rolls cook at the same rate, preventing some from being doughy while others are overcooked. Finally, allow the rolls to cool slightly before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover pistachio rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but be aware that this may slightly alter the texture. For best results, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help regain some of their original softness.

If you want to prepare these rolls ahead of time, consider making the dough and filling in advance. You can refrigerate the unbaked rolls overnight, allowing them to rise before baking them fresh in the morning. This way, you can serve warm, freshly baked rolls to your family or guests.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use unsalted butter for the frosting?

Yes, unsalted butter works perfectly for the frosting.

→ How long can I store the rolls?

The rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the rolls before baking. Thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.

→ What can I substitute for pistachios?

You can use walnuts or almonds as a substitute, but the flavor will differ.

Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Delight in the rich flavor and texture of these Perfect Pistachio Rolls topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Lucy Bennett

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

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, add sugar, melted butter, salt, egg, and flour. Knead until smooth, about 5 minutes. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

Step 02

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Sprinkle ground pistachios evenly over the dough.

Step 03

Roll the dough tightly and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 04

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

Step 05

While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.

Step 06

Once the rolls are cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and serve.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 5g