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Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

4.8 from 114 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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).
  8. 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.
  9. 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