Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Name: Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 cup mascarpone cheese, divided; 1/4 cup white sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 Tablespoons cinnamon; 2 Tablespoons melted butter; 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided; 1 package puff pastry, thawed; 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios, plus more for garnish if desired; 3/4 cup pistachio cream, divided; 2 Tablespoons heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups Powdered sugar

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup mascarpone cheese, divided
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1 (17.3 ounce) package puff pastry, thawed
1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios, plus more for garnish if desired
3/4 cup pistachio cream, divided
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup mascarpone, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets. Evenly divide the sugar mixture between the two sheets and spread it in a thin layer, almost all the way to the edges.
Sprinkle each pastry sheet with chopped pistachios, and drizzle 2 tablespoons of pistachio cream over each sheet.
Roll each pastry sheet into a log, placing the seam side down. Use a sharp knife to slice each log into 6 pinwheels.
Place the pinwheels, cut side up, into the prepared baking dish or onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are lightly golden brown.
Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by adding the remaining mascarpone, pistachio cream, heavy cream, and salt to a bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
Gradually add the confectioner's sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and slightly fluffy.
Once the cinnamon rolls are baked and still warm, spread the frosting generously over the rolls and garnish with additional chopped pistachios if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount
Calories	416
Total Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	13g
Cholesterol	59mg
Sodium	254mg
Total Carbohydrate	29g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Total Sugars	23g
Protein	7g
Calcium	109mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	229mg

The Story Behind Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls

Pistachio cream cinnamon rolls are a modern twist on the classic cinnamon roll, a pastry with roots tracing back to Sweden in the 1920s, where the original kanelbulle became a beloved treat. The addition of pistachio cream introduces a Mediterranean influence, as pistachios are a staple in Middle Eastern and Italian desserts. This fusion creates a unique flavor profile, combining the warm spice of cinnamon with the nutty, slightly sweet richness of pistachios and mascarpone.

Regional Characteristics

While traditional cinnamon rolls are primarily associated with Northern Europe and North America, pistachio cream variations are more popular in regions where pistachios are abundant, such as Italy, Turkey, and Iran. In Italy, pistachio-based pastries often appear in Sicilian desserts, while in Middle Eastern countries, pistachio cream enhances both sweet and savory treats. This recipe reflects a blend of European pastry techniques with Mediterranean ingredients, resulting in a delicately flavored and visually appealing dessert.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that use only butter, cinnamon, and sugar, these rolls incorporate mascarpone and pistachio cream, adding a creamy, nutty dimension. The use of puff pastry instead of classic yeast dough also makes them flakier and quicker to prepare. The combination of pistachios inside the roll and in the frosting distinguishes it from other nut-enhanced rolls, such as pecan or walnut cinnamon rolls, by providing a subtly sweet, earthy flavor that balances the sugar and spice.

Where Youll Usually Find Them

Pistachio cream cinnamon rolls are typically served at specialty bakeries, high-end cafes, or brunch spots that focus on creative pastries. They also appear at festive occasions, such as holiday breakfasts or dessert tables at parties, due to their attractive presentation and gourmet appeal. Because of their delicate ingredients, they are less common in everyday home baking compared to traditional cinnamon rolls, but are often sought after for a luxurious twist on a familiar favorite.

Interesting Facts

Pistachios have been cultivated for over 7,000 years and were considered a symbol of wealth and fertility in ancient cultures.
The combination of mascarpone and pistachio cream adds a creamy texture that melts in the mouth, making these rolls different from the usual gooey cinnamon rolls.
Using puff pastry allows for faster preparation, as there is no need for dough rising, making it a convenient choice for busy bakers.
In some gourmet versions, the rolls are drizzled with white chocolate or infused with rosewater, emphasizing their Middle Eastern inspiration.

FAQ about Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Yes, you can make the rolls ahead of time. After assembling the cinnamon rolls, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, preheat the oven and bake as instructed. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Yes, you can substitute mascarpone cheese with cream cheese or ricotta cheese. While mascarpone gives a creamy texture and mild flavor, cream cheese will provide a tangier taste. Ricotta can be a lighter alternative, but it may alter the texture slightly.

Puff pastry creates a light and flaky texture for these cinnamon rolls, but you can substitute it with crescent roll dough or any other pre-made dough that you prefer. However, the texture and taste will differ from the puff pastry version.

To ensure even baking, place the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, with enough space between each roll. Avoid overcrowding, as this may lead to uneven cooking. Keep an eye on the rolls towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.

Yes, you can make the pistachio cream frosting in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to use it, allow it to come to room temperature before spreading it over the cinnamon rolls. You can also re-whip the frosting to restore its fluffy texture.

If you can't find pistachio cream, you can substitute with a homemade pistachio paste or even a combination of ground pistachios and sweetened condensed milk. Alternatively, you can use almond cream or hazelnut spread for a different flavor profile.

Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer a less sweet version of the cinnamon rolls. However, the glaze adds richness and a creamy texture that complements the pistachio flavor. If you want a lighter option, you can sprinkle the rolls with powdered sugar instead.

To make this recipe vegan, use dairy-free substitutes. You can replace mascarpone cheese with a vegan cream cheese, use plant-based butter, and choose a vegan puff pastry. For the frosting, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and ensure the pistachio cream is dairy-free.

Comments

Barbara Anderson

08/06/2022 11:22:42 PM

Fantastic! - Amazing!

Nathan Adams

10/17/2023 05:40:30 PM

I made some adjustments using what I had in my kitchen - I used phyllo dough instead of puff pastry and cream cheese instead of mascarpone. The flavors turned out fantastic, though I believe they would have been even better if I had followed the original recipe.