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Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

5 from 8 reviews

These Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls combine the buttery, flaky texture of a classic almond croissant with the soft, sweet, and gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls. Filled with a rich almond butter mixture, topped with sliced almonds, and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, they make an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1.25 cups 2% milk, warmed to 100℉-110℉
  • 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt

Almond Croissant Filling

  • 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons almond extract
  • 1.5 cups almond flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup sliced almonds

Vanilla Glaze

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Bloom the yeast: Add the warm milk, yeast, and sugar to a large bowl. Set aside until the yeast has bloomed – about 5 minutes, ensuring the mixture becomes foamy.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Add flour and knead dough: Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on low-medium speed, slowly add the flour and sea salt to the wet mixture. Once all flour is incorporated and a shaggy dough forms, knead for 2-3 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked.
  4. First rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and a tea towel, and place in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  5. Prepare almond filling: While the dough rises, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat until light and fluffy. Add almond extract, almond flour, and egg; mix until well combined. Refrigerate the filling for 15 minutes.
  6. Shape dough: Once risen, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into an 18” by 12” rectangle, about ¼” thick.
  7. Add filling and roll up: Evenly spread the almond filling over the dough rectangle. Starting at one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
  8. Slice rolls: Cut the log into 1-inch thick rolls, yielding 9 to 12 rolls depending on roll tightness and starting edge.
  9. Prepare baking dish: Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the rolls in the dish so they barely touch. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the rolls.
  10. Optional advance preparation: For making ahead, wrap the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Before baking, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes.
  11. Second rise: If baking immediately, cover the rolls with plastic wrap and a tea towel, and let them rise in a warm place until they begin to touch, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350℉.
  12. Bake rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the roll centers are set and tops are golden brown.
  13. Prepare glaze: While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
  14. Cool and glaze: Allow the baked rolls to cool for at least 10 minutes before drizzling or spreading the vanilla glaze on top. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute 2% milk with whole milk for a richer dough or with almond milk to make it dairy-free (adjust yeast activation accordingly).
  • If almond extract is too strong, reduce to 1 teaspoon for a subtler flavor.
  • For a crispier top, bake without covering the rolls for the last 5 minutes.
  • Feel free to toast sliced almonds before sprinkling for enhanced nuttiness.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat rolls by warming gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Almond croissant, cinnamon rolls, almond filling, vanilla glaze, breakfast pastries, homemade rolls, sweet rolls