Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
These Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls combine the flaky, buttery texture of croissants with the rich, sweet flavors of cinnamon and almond. Featuring a tender tangzhong-infused dough, a luscious almond-cinnamon filling, and a smooth almond glaze topped with toasted sliced almonds, these rolls offer a decadent breakfast or dessert treat that melts in your mouth.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Dough and Tangzhong:
- 1/4 cup bread flour
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 2/3 cups bread flour (for main dough)
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Butter for Dough Incorporation:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (for dough)
Almond Filling:
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup finely ground blanched almond meal
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pure almond extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
Frosting and Topping:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- Sliced almonds, for topping
- Make the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together the 1/4 cup bread flour and 3/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat while whisking constantly for 4-5 minutes until it forms a paste-like slurry. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool until ready to use.
- Prepare Dough Base: In a stand mixer bowl, combine 3 2/3 cups bread flour, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Add 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup whole milk, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and the prepared tangzhong. Using the dough hook attachment, knead on low speed for 2 minutes until a rough dough forms.
- Incorporate Butter: With the mixer running on low, add 6 tablespoons unsalted butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing it to fully incorporate before adding more. Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes after all butter is added until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Proof: Take the dough from the mixer and pull the sides underneath to form a smooth ball. Place seam-side down in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Make the Almond Filling: In a clean stand mixer bowl, combine 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup finely ground blanched almond meal, 6 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons pure almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Shape Rolls: On a lightly floured surface, roll the rested dough into a 15×21 inch rectangle with the longest side facing you. Spread the almond filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the top edge. Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into twelve 1 3/4-inch wide strips. Roll each strip away from you into tight spirals and place them in a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Second Proof: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the center of the rolls reaches an internal temperature of 185°F. The rolls should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Frosting and Finish: While the rolls cool briefly, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons heavy cream, 3 tablespoons whole milk, and 1 teaspoon pure almond extract until smooth. Drizzle this frosting over the warm rolls and sprinkle generously with sliced almonds. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Be sure to measure bread flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling with a knife to avoid dense dough.
- Tangzhong method helps improve roll softness and freshness.
- Room temperature ingredients ensure better dough texture and proper yeast activation.
- Internal temperature is the best indicator for perfect doneness rather than baking time alone.
- Leftover rolls can be reheated in the oven for a fresh-baked texture.
Keywords: almond croissant rolls, cinnamon rolls, tangzhong dough, almond filling, sweet breakfast rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, bakery style rolls