Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Delight your taste buds this holiday season with these fluffy and delectable Perfect Pistachio Rolls topped with creamy, velvety cream cheese frosting. Bursting with the subtle crunch and nutty flavor of pistachios, these sweet rolls are perfect for Christmas morning or as a festive dessert at any gathering. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they’ll become a cherished recipe in your seasonal baking collection.

Nora Ellis

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2025-11-14T12:19:01.219Z

Every holiday season needs a special treat, and these Perfect Pistachio Rolls are just that! Infused with the rich flavor of pistachios and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends.

A Holiday Tradition

Every holiday season deserves a special treat, and these Perfect Pistachio Rolls are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. The delightful combination of fluffy pastry and nutty pistachio filling provides a warm, comforting dish that brings loved ones together. Whether it's Christmas morning or a festive gathering, serving these rolls creates lasting memories and fills the room with delightful aromas.

As you enjoy these rolls, you're not just indulging in a delicious dessert; you're also reviving the spirit of togetherness that is often celebrated during the holidays. With their unique flavor profile and appealing presentation, these rolls are sure to impress family and friends while elevating your seasonal dessert table.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While these Perfect Pistachio Rolls shine during the holidays, they are versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Whether you serve them for brunch, as a comforting snack, or an elaborate dessert, their delightful flavors and textures fit any occasion. Consider making a batch for birthdays, potlucks, or even casual get-togethers to surprise your guests with something delightful and unexpected.

Additionally, these rolls can be easily modified to cater to different preferences. For a more festive touch, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough or consider incorporating other nuts into the filling. With endless possibilities, these rolls will always hit the spot and leave everyone wanting more.

Baking Tips and Tricks

To ensure your Perfect Pistachio Rolls turn out flawlessly, pay attention to the rise time for the dough. Properly kneading the dough and allowing it to rise will yield a light and fluffy texture. If you're short on time, consider using an oven that’s been preheated to a low temperature to speed up the rising process; just be sure to monitor it closely.

Another useful tip is to bake the rolls in a quality ceramic or glass dish. This helps distribute heat evenly and promotes a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside moist and tender. Lastly, don't rush the cooling process after you bake them; allowing the rolls to cool slightly before adding the cream cheese frosting enhances their overall flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs

Filling

  • 1 cup finely chopped pistachios
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

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

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, butter, and eggs to the mixture, and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped pistachios, brown sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Assemble the Rolls

Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly and slice into 12 pieces.

Bake the Rolls

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes or until golden.

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until creamy. Spread over warm rolls.

Enjoy your delicious Perfect Pistachio Rolls!

Storing and Reheating

To store your Perfect Pistachio Rolls, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to a week. If you prefer to enjoy them warm, simply microwave them for a few seconds before serving. This slight warmth will help revive that freshly baked flavor and texture.

If you want to prepare these rolls in advance, consider freezing them. After slicing them into individual rolls but before baking, place them on a baking sheet to freeze for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer, allowing extra time for baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Perfect Pistachio Rolls with fresh fruits and a warm beverage, such as coffee or spiced tea. The nutty flavor from the pistachios complements bright, fruity flavors beautifully, creating a satisfying balance for your taste buds. Consider adding a light fruit salad or a citrus-based dessert alongside these rolls to provide a refreshing counterpoint.

For an even more indulgent experience, top your rolls with toasted pistachios or chopped nuts to add a delightful crunch. Serve them with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat that will delight both kids and adults alike.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking.

→ What can I do with leftover frosting?

Leftover frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used on other baked goods.

Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Delight your taste buds this holiday season with these fluffy and delectable Perfect Pistachio Rolls topped with creamy, velvety cream cheese frosting. Bursting with the subtle crunch and nutty flavor of pistachios, these sweet rolls are perfect for Christmas morning or as a festive dessert at any gathering. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they’ll become a cherished recipe in your seasonal baking collection.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time55 minutes

Created by: Nora Ellis

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  3. 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  4. 1 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 cup warm milk
  6. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  7. 2 large eggs

Filling

  1. 1 cup finely chopped pistachios
  2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  3. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, butter, and eggs to the mixture, and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped pistachios, brown sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 03

Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly and slice into 12 pieces.

Step 04

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes or until golden.

Step 05

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until creamy. Spread over warm rolls.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 5g