Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
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.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired, American
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Roll Out Dough: Place rested dough on a floured surface. Roll into a 15×21 inch rectangle with the longest side closest to you.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Make Frosting: While rolls cool briefly, whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, whole milk, and almond extract together until smooth.
- 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