Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 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; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 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; 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 the tops

Author: Lora

Published: January 27, 2026

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Introduction to Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls

As a busy mom, I often find myself searching for a delightful treat to sweeten up our hectic mornings. That’s where my Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls come in! These rolls are like a warm hug from the oven, perfectly combining buttery croissants with a luscious almond filling. They’re so irresistible that they’ll have your loved ones gathering around the kitchen, eager for a taste. And trust me, whether it’s a quick breakfast or a special brunch, this recipe is a fantastic way to impress your family, all while keeping the joy of baking in the air.

Why You’ll Love This Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls

These Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls are the answer to your busy mornings. They’re quick to prepare and taste simply divine! With the rich almond frangipane filling and sweet almond icing, each bite takes you to pastry heaven. Plus, they’re perfect for weekend brunch or a cozy family gathering, making you the star of the kitchen without the stress. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients for Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making these delightful rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread flour: Essential for a fluffy texture, it gives your rolls that perfect chewy quality.
Water: Just the right amount to help create a tender dough when mixed with flour.
Light brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness and depth of flavor to your rolls.
Instant yeast: The magic ingredient that helps the dough rise quickly; no waiting around with this kind!
Fine sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors in the dough.
Heavy cream: Makes the dough moist and rich. No need to skimp here!
Whole milk: Adding creaminess, it complements the heavy cream for a tender roll.
Large egg: Acts as a binder, bringing everything together while enriching the dough.
Vanilla bean paste: For that lovely warm aroma, vanilla elevates the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter: Multiple servings will drench your rolls in richness; make sure it’s softened to blend easily.
Finely ground blanched almond meal: The star of your filling! It delivers that nutty flavor we all love.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the almond filling and balances the whole dish beautifully.
Cinnamon: This spicy warmth is a must for any cinnamon roll; it’s what makes it feel like home.
Pure almond extract: Provides an extra almond kick, enhancing that rich flavor in the filling.
Powdered sugar: This is your secret weapon for the sweet almond icing that tops it all off!
Sliced almonds: Perfect for garnish. They add crunch and a burst of nutty taste on top of the rolls.

Don’t worry; all the exact measurements are at the bottom of the article, ready for printing. Happy baking!

How to Make Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the art of making these heavenly rolls! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through every step, so you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Tangzhong

First things first, we need to make tangzhong, which is a simple yet magical process. In a small saucepan, whisk together the water and 1/4 cup of bread flour. Cook the mixture over medium heat, constantly whisking for about 4-5 minutes. It should become a smooth, paste-like slurry. Once done, transfer it to a bowl and allow it to cool while you tackle the dough. Trust me, this step adds moistness to your rolls!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In your stand mixer, combine the remaining 3 2/3 cups of bread flour, light brown sugar, instant yeast, and fine sea salt. Add the heavy cream, whole milk, egg, vanilla bean paste, and of course, that cooling tangzhong. Mix on low speed with the dough hook for about 2 minutes until you have a rough dough ball. The right balance of ingredients sets the foundation for your gooey rolls!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

With your mixer still running on low, gradually incorporate the softened butter, adding one tablespoon at a time. Let each tablespoon blend completely before adding the next. Knead for another 8-10 minutes until your dough is smooth and elastic. It’ll be a delightful sight! The dough should be soft yet not sticky, making it a breeze to work with later.

Step 4: Rest the Dough

Now, it’s time to let that gorgeous dough rest. Remove it from the mixing bowl and shape it into a smooth round ball. Place the seam-side down in the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This step gives the dough time to rise and develop flavor. It’s like a mini vacation for your dough!

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is resting, let’s whip up that delicious almond filling. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, finely ground almond meal, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, ground cinnamon, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until you have a smooth and creamy filling. This sweet concoction is what makes each roll a gooey dream!

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough

Once the dough has rested, dust a clean surface with flour and roll it into a generous 15×21 rectangle. Spread the almond filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the top. Using a pizza cutter, slice twelve strips, each about 1 3/4 inches wide, then roll each strip away from you into spirals. Place the rolls in a parchment-lined 9×13 baking pan. It’s a bit like crafting little treasures for your loved ones!

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover your pan with plastic wrap again, allowing the rolls to rise for 1-2 hours or until they double in size. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C). This is the final chance for your gooey almond croissant cinnamon rolls to puff up and get that bakery-style height!

Step 8: Bake

Once your rolls have risen beautifully, it’s time for them to hit the oven! Bake for 30-40 minutes until the center rolls reach an internal temperature of 185°F. You’ll want to keep an eye on them because they’ll turn golden brown and will smell heavenly. The aroma alone is enough to make you salivate!

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

While the rolls cool just a bit, let’s make that sweet almond frosting! In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, whole milk, and almond extract until smooth and creamy. This frosting is like icing on the cake—literally! And believe me, it’s what makes these rolls extra special.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, pour the delightful frosting over the warm rolls and sprinkle with sliced almonds for that perfect finishing touch. It’s time to dig in and bask in the glory of your hard work! These Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls are now ready to impress. Get ready for the compliments to roll in, and enjoy every gooey, almondy bite!

Tips for Success

Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Keep an eye on the baking time, as every oven is different.
Don’t skip the resting period; it’s crucial for a fluffy texture.
Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements, especially with the flour.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the filling to your taste.

Equipment Needed

Stand mixer with a dough hook or a mixing bowl and wooden spoon.
Small saucepan for making tangzhong.
Rolling pin for rolling out the dough.
Pizza cutter or sharp knife for slicing.
9×13 baking pan, or any similar-sized dish will do.
Mixing bowls for filling and frosting.

Variations

Nutty Delight: Add in chopped hazelnuts or walnuts to the almond filling for a crunchier texture.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in fresh raspberries or sliced bananas into the filling for a fruity twist.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with almond milk and use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
Vegan Adaptation: Replace the egg with flaxseed meal or a vegan egg substitute and use plant-based milk and butter.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top of the frosting for a decadent touch of chocolatey goodness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy morning.
Serve alongside fresh fruit, like berries or citrus, to balance the sweetness.
Consider a light salad for a brunch spread to complement the sweetness.
Present them on a beautiful platter, garnished with extra sliced almonds.
For a festive touch, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving.

FAQs about Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls

As you prepare to bake your Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and their answers to set you up for success:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and then shape and bake it in the morning. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh rolls without the morning rush!

How should I store leftover rolls?

To keep your rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!

Can I substitute almond extract with something else?

If you’re not a fan of almond extract, feel free to use vanilla extract or even hazelnut flavoring. While it will change the flavor profile, it will still yield delicious rolls.

What if I don’t have bread flour?

No problem! You can use all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour gives the rolls their chewy, bakery-style bite, so try to use it if you can.

Are these rolls suitable for a nut-allergy?

Unfortunately, since these rolls contain almond meal and almond extract, they are not safe for individuals with nut allergies. However, consider experimenting with a nut-free filling, like a cinnamon-sugar mixture or fruit preserve, for a similar treat!

Final Thoughts

Baking these Gooey Almond Croissant Cinnamon Rolls is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with warmth and love. Each step takes you on a journey, from the aroma of fresh dough to the sweet scent of almond filling wafting through your home. When your family gathers around the table to enjoy these delightful treats, it creates a connection that makes the effort worthwhile. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and enjoy the sheer joy of sharing homemade goodness with your loved ones. You’ll create delicious memories, one gooey bite at a time!