Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a delightful small batch pistachio cream twist beckon from the kitchen, promising a decadent breakfast treat.

Soft dough swirls with rich, nutty notes and sweet cinnamon essence.

Each bite delivers a luxurious blend of comforting flavors that dance across your palate.

The compact recipe ensures you savor every delectable morsel without overwhelming your kitchen or your waistline.

Delicate pistachio undertones elevate these rolls from ordinary to extraordinary.

Bakers seeking a special morning indulgence will find pure joy in these carefully crafted pastries.

These rolls are a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients meet thoughtful technique.

Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls Mini Treat Perfection

  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust quantities to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Bake for Sharing: Perfect for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or special weekend treats that bring people together.
  • Quick Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these rolls accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Unique Flavor Profile: Unexpected combination of pistachio and cinnamon creates a delightful twist on classic rolls that surprises and delights taste buds.

Pistachio Cinnamon Roll Ingredient List Small Batch

Main Ingredients:

Bread Base:
  • Flour: The fundamental structure of the cinnamon rolls that creates the soft, tender dough.
  • Yeast: A critical leavening agent that helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper dough development.
  • Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough ingredients together.
  • Butter: Contributes to the tender, rich flavor and soft texture of the rolls.
Filling Components:
  • Pistachio Cream: A unique, nutty spread that adds a distinctive flavor and creamy texture to the rolls.
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a classic sweet and warm spice mixture for traditional cinnamon roll flavor.
  • Pistachios: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty accent to the filling.
Topping and Finishing:
  • Cream Cheese: Forms the base of a smooth, tangy icing.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create the right consistency for the cream cheese icing.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender roll surface during baking.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla: Adds a warm, sweet undertone to the icing.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the dough and filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps activate the yeast.

Baking Small Batch Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls Easily

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Pour warm milk into a large mixing bowl.

Sprinkle yeast over the surface and add a touch of sugar.

Gently stir and let the mixture sit quietly until it becomes wonderfully frothy and bubbly.

Step 2: Create the Dough

Combine the activated yeast with:
  • Egg
  • Softened butter
  • Remaining sugar

Mix these ingredients until they become friends.

Add flour and salt, stirring just until combined.

Allow the dough to rest and relax for a few moments.

Knead thoroughly using a stand mixer with a dough hook or work by hand on a floured surface until the dough feels smooth and stretchy.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl.

Cover it tenderly and find a cozy warm spot for it to expand.

Wait about 30 minutes until the dough has doubled in size, looking puffy and promising.

Step 4: Craft the Filling

Prepare a delightful mixture of:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Butter up a baking pan, creating a welcoming home for your soon-to-be rolls.

Step 5: Shape the Magical Rolls

Gently roll out the risen dough into a beautiful rectangle.

Spread pistachio cream across the surface, leaving a small border.

Sprinkle with:
  • Cinnamon-sugar mixture
  • Chopped pistachios

Roll the dough into a tight log from the long edge.

Slice into 6 even, beautiful rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

Step 6: Second Rise

Nestle the rolls into the prepared pan, giving them some breathing room.

Cover loosely and let them puff up in a warm spot for 45 minutes.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Heat the oven to 350F.

Drizzle warm heavy cream over the rolls.

Bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 23-30 minutes.

Step 8: Whip Up the Creamy Icing

While the rolls cool slightly, blend together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Pistachio cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 9: Finish and Enjoy

Lavish the warm rolls with a generous coating of icing.

Serve immediately and watch faces light up with pure delight.

Tips For Perfect Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls

  • Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which can make rolls dense and heavy.
  • Rest dough after mixing to allow gluten to develop, creating softer, more tender cinnamon rolls with better texture.
  • Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like inside an oven with the light on to help consistent and optimal rising.
  • Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough, maintaining perfect spiral shape.
  • Cover rolls with plastic wrap during second rise to keep surface moist and prevent skin from forming on the dough.

Mini Pistachio Cinnamon Roll Variations To Enjoy

  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the dough maintains similar texture and rise. Use xanthan gum for better structure and binding.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Replace dairy milk with almond milk, use plant-based butter, swap egg with flax egg, and choose dairy-free cream cheese for icing. Select vegan pistachio cream as a filling alternative.
  • Lower-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener in dough and filling. Replace traditional powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative in the cream cheese icing. Choose stevia or erythritol for sweetness without added calories.

Serve Pistachio Cinnamon Rolls For Brunch

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these luscious cinnamon rolls with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
  • Elegant Dessert Upgrade: Serve these rolls as a sophisticated after-dinner dessert, garnished with extra chopped pistachios and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Create a stunning brunch spread by placing the rolls on a beautiful ceramic platter, surrounded by fresh berries and a small bowl of additional pistachio cream for dipping.
  • Gifting Delight: Wrap individual rolls in parchment paper and twine for a thoughtful homemade gift that will make friends and family feel extra special.

Mini Pistachio Rolls Store Softly Overnight

  • Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Pack rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Add a small splash of milk to keep them soft and prevent them from becoming tough.

FAQs

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, place it in a covered bowl and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping the rolls.

  • Is it necessary to use a stand mixer?

No, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. Just ensure you knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

  • What if my yeast doesn't get frothy?

If your yeast mixture doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, it might be inactive. Discard and start over with fresh yeast, ensuring your milk is warm (not hot) and your sugar is dissolved.

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Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Pistachio cream cinnamon rolls deliver pure comfort wrapped in delicate pastry with nutty richness. Sweet spirals of dough promise a luxurious breakfast experience that will charm your morning with Mediterranean-inspired elegance.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2.5 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup very soft salted butter

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup pistachio cream/butter
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream (for pouring over rolls)

Icing Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup pistachio cream/butter
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Awaken the yeast by combining warm milk with a touch of sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and allow it to bloom for 3-5 minutes until foamy and active.
  2. Incorporate egg, softened butter, and remaining sugar into the yeast mixture. Gently fold in flour and salt, letting the dough rest briefly. Knead thoroughly for 5-7 minutes until achieving a smooth, elastic consistency.
  3. Transfer dough to a lightly greased container, cover, and let rise in a warm environment for approximately 30 minutes or until volume doubles.
  4. Prepare filling by blending brown sugar and cinnamon. Generously butter a 10.5×7.5-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  5. Roll out risen dough into a rectangular shape on a floured surface. Spread pistachio cream evenly, leaving a small margin. Distribute cinnamon-sugar mixture and chopped pistachios across the surface. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log from the long edge. Slice into 6 uniform rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  6. Arrange rolls in the prepared pan, allowing space between each. Cover loosely and permit a second rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes until they become puffy and expanded.
  7. Heat oven to 350°F. Drizzle warm heavy cream over the proofed rolls. Bake for 23-30 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
  8. While rolls cool slightly, whip cream cheese, pistachio cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creating a smooth, creamy icing.
  9. Lavishly spread icing over warm rolls and serve immediately to enjoy maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Protect dough from drying by covering with damp kitchen towel during rising to maintain moisture and prevent skin formation.
  • Swap whole milk for dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk to accommodate lactose-intolerant bakers without compromising texture.
  • Enhance roll’s nuttiness by toasting chopped pistachios briefly before adding to filling, intensifying their rich, complex flavor profile.
  • Control sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or reducing sugar quantities for low-sugar dietary preferences while maintaining delicious taste.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 468
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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