Description

There’s something magical about pulling a pan of warm, nutty sweet rolls from the oven. These Soft Pistachio Rolls are pillowy, buttery, and swirled with rich pistachio filling, then topped with a dreamy pistachio cream cheese frosting that melts into every layer.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

1¼ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
⅓ cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
1½ tbsp active dry yeast
6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
5½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt

For the Pistachio Filling

¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
⅓ cup pistachio paste
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup roasted pistachios, finely chopped

For the Pistachio Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup cream cheese, room temperature
4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup pistachio paste
1¾ cup powdered sugar, sifted
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1️⃣ Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm milk and 2 tablespoons sugar.
Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

If it doesn’t foam, start over — your yeast may be inactive.

2️⃣ Make the Dough

Add remaining sugar, butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.

Add half the flour and salt. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.

Knead 8–10 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic.

3️⃣ First Rise

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

4️⃣ Prepare the Filling

Mix butter and pistachio paste until smooth.

5️⃣ Roll & Fill

Punch down dough and roll into a 20×12-inch rectangle.

Spread pistachio mixture evenly over dough. Sprinkle chopped pistachios and sugar on top.

Roll tightly into a log and seal the edge.

6️⃣ Slice & Second Rise

Cut into 12 rolls using a serrated knife or dental floss.

Place in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise 1 hour, until puffy and touching.

7️⃣ Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).

Cool 15–20 minutes before frosting.

8️⃣ Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Add pistachio paste and vanilla. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until fluffy.

Spread generously over warm rolls and garnish with extra chopped pistachios.

Notes

Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth texture.
Don’t over-flour — slightly tacky dough makes softer rolls.
Let rolls fully proof before baking to prevent dense texture.
For overnight prep: refrigerate shaped rolls and bake the next morning.