Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in these delightful Perfect Pistachio Rolls topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Sloane Patterson

Created by

Sloane Patterson

Last updated on 2025-12-21T08:46:02.844Z

These Perfect Pistachio Rolls are a labor of love, combining a rich pistachio flavor with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Perfect for brunch or as a sweet dessert, they are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A delightful combination of nutty pistachios and sweet cream cheese
  • Soft, fluffy rolls that are easy to make and share
  • Perfect for any occasion, from brunch to dessert

The Magic of Pistachios

Pistachios are often celebrated for their unique flavor and vibrant green color, making them a delightful addition to a variety of dishes. In these Perfect Pistachio Rolls, they not only enhance the taste but also provide a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy texture of the rolls. Their natural nuttiness pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting, creating a harmonious blend that is simply irresistible.

Beyond their delicious flavor, pistachios are also packed with nutrients. They are a rich source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a great choice for those looking to add more nutritional value to their treats. By incorporating ground pistachios into the dough, you’re not just making a dessert; you’re also adding a wholesome element that elevates the overall experience.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Perfect Pistachio Rolls are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether it’s a cozy brunch with friends, a festive holiday gathering, or a simple family dessert, these rolls are sure to impress. Their appealing appearance and delightful flavor profile make them a crowd-pleaser, inviting everyone to come back for seconds.

What’s more, you can easily customize these rolls for different occasions. For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of edible glitter or colorful sprinkles on top of the cream cheese frosting. Alternatively, you can infuse the frosting with citrus zest for a refreshing twist. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor them to suit any celebration.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Perfect Pistachio Rolls turn out fluffy and delicious, be mindful of your dough consistency. Knead the dough gently and avoid overworking it, which can lead to tough rolls. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right texture. This will help you achieve the perfect balance between softness and structure.

When baking, keep an eye on the rolls as they approach the end of the baking time. Oven temperatures can vary, so be sure to check for that golden-brown color. After removing them from the oven, allow the rolls to cool slightly before frosting. This ensures the frosting doesn’t melt and helps create a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience.

For the Rolls

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup ground pistachios
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 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
  • 2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your perfect pistachio rolls.

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ground pistachios, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.

Roll and Shape

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Roll into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Spread a thin layer of butter over the dough, then sprinkle with more ground pistachios and a little sugar. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before frosting.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. If too thick, add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and enjoy your Perfect Pistachio Rolls!

Enjoy these rolls warm or at room temperature; they are delicious either way!

Storing Your Rolls

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely!), these Perfect Pistachio Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them. The cream cheese frosting can also be made in advance and stored separately in the fridge, making it easy to frost the rolls right before serving.

When reheating, simply pop the rolls in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their warmth and softness. This will make them taste fresh, as if they just came out of the oven. A quick reheat can also enhance the flavors, bringing back that delightful aroma of baked pistachios.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the experience even further, making it a perfect dessert option for gatherings.

For a more sophisticated touch, you could drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the cream cheese frosting. The added sweetness complements the nutty flavors beautifully, creating a decadent dessert that will leave guests raving about your baking skills.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use salted pistachios?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid excess saltiness.

→ How can I store leftover rolls?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Just thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

Perfect Pistachio Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in these delightful Perfect Pistachio Rolls topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time55 minutes

Created by: Sloane Patterson

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. 1/2 cup ground pistachios
  3. 1/4 cup sugar
  4. 2 teaspoons baking powder
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1/2 cup milk
  7. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  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
  5. 2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ground pistachios, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.

Step 02

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Roll into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Spread a thin layer of butter over the dough, then sprinkle with more ground pistachios and a little sugar. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces.

Step 03

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before frosting.

Step 04

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. If too thick, add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 05

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and enjoy your Perfect Pistachio Rolls!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 5g