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Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

4.6 from 120 reviews

Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls are a luxurious twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, combining the flaky, buttery texture of a croissant with a sweet almond cinnamon filling. Topped with a smooth almond-flavored glaze and sliced almonds, these rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1/4 cup bread flour
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3 2/3 cups bread flour
  • 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
  • Tangzhong (made from above)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)

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

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure almond extract

For Topping

  • Sliced almonds (for the tops)

Instructions

  1. Make Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and 1/4 cup bread flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 4-5 minutes until the mixture turns into a paste-like slurry. Scrape into a bowl and let cool.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 2/3 cups bread flour, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients and Tangzhong: Add heavy cream, whole milk, egg, vanilla bean paste, and the cooled tangzhong to the dry ingredients. Knead with a dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes until a rough dough forms.
  4. Incorporate Butter: With the mixer running on low, add 6 tablespoons softened butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate. Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. First Proof: Remove dough and shape it into a smooth ball, placing seam-side down in the mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
  6. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 8 tablespoons softened butter, almond meal, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, egg, cinnamon, almond extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  7. Roll Out Dough: Place rested dough on a floured surface. Roll into a 15×21 inch rectangle with the longest side closest to you.
  8. Spread Filling: Evenly dollop almond filling on dough surface and spread with an offset spatula, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the top edge clean.
  9. Shape Rolls: Using a pizza cutter, cut dough into twelve 1 3/4-inch strips. Roll each strip away from you tightly, then transfer rolls to a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan.
  10. Second Proof: Cover pan with plastic wrap and let rolls rise 1-2 hours until doubled in size. Preheat oven to 325°F (162°C).
  11. Bake: Bake rolls for 30-40 minutes or until the center’s internal temperature reaches 185°F (85°C) and the tops are golden brown.
  12. Make Frosting: While rolls cool briefly, whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, whole milk, and almond extract together until smooth.
  13. Finish: Pour frosting over warm rolls and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, flaky delight.

Notes

  • Measure bread flour by spooning into your measuring cup and leveling with a knife to avoid packing.
  • Tangzhong is a cooked flour-water paste that helps keep the rolls moist and soft for longer.
  • Room temperature ingredients help with better dough development and rising.
  • Ensure butter is fully incorporated for a tender, flaky texture.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to check for doneness accurately to prevent under or overbaking.
  • Sliced almonds add a lovely crunch and almond aroma to the finished rolls.

Keywords: Almond croissant rolls, almond cinnamon rolls, gooey cinnamon rolls, almond croissant style, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls