Almond Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Cozy Almond Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Sweet Morning Magic

Warm, gooey almond cinnamon rolls bring a delightful nutty surprise to your breakfast table.

Soft dough spirals packed with rich cinnamon create an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Crushed almonds scattered throughout add a delectable crunch to every bite.

Delicate swirls of sweet filling promise pure comfort in each mouthwatering morsel.

Baking these rolls feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy culinary hug.

Fragrant spices and toasted nuts combine to elevate this traditional pastry into something truly special.

One taste, and you’ll be hooked on this delicious morning indulgence.

FAQs

  • What makes almond paste different from regular almonds?

Almond paste is a sweet, dense mixture of ground almonds, sugar, and sometimes egg whites, creating a rich, smooth texture that’s much more concentrated in flavor than whole almonds.

  • Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature.

  • Is kneading the dough by hand necessary?

While a stand mixer with a dough hook works well, hand-kneading develops gluten and creates a better texture. It’s a great way to understand dough consistency and connect with your baking process.

  • How do I know if my yeast is active?

The yeast mixture should become foamy and smell slightly sweet within 5-10 minutes. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast might be expired or the liquid was too hot, which can kill the yeast.

Almond Cinnamon Rolls with a Nutty Lift

  • Dive into a delightful baking adventure that transforms classic cinnamon rolls with a nutty almond twist, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • These rolls bring everyone together with their irresistible aroma and warm, gooey center that screams homemade goodness.
  • Swap ingredients, adjust sweetness, or add extra nuts to make this recipe uniquely yours, giving you total creative freedom in the kitchen.
  • Enjoy restaurant-quality treats using basic pantry staples, making this recipe both budget-friendly and impressively delicious.

Almond Cinnamon Rolls Ingredient Highlights

Base Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cinnamon rolls.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper dough development.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps feed the yeast during fermentation.
  • Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Almond Paste: Brings a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the filling.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable filling.
  • Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice that is classic in cinnamon rolls.
  • Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a gooey filling.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Almond Extract: Combine to create a sweet, nutty glaze that complements the rolls' flavor.

How to Roll Out Almond Cinnamon Rolls Right

Step 1: Mix Yeast Activation

Warm your milk gently and stir in sugar.

Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let it sit quietly until it becomes foamy and bubbly, signaling it’s ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together flour and salt.

Make a cozy little well in the center and pour in:
  • Melted butter
  • Egg
  • Activated yeast mixture

Stir everything until a shaggy dough starts to form.

Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead with enthusiasm for 8-10 minutes.

You want a smooth, elastic dough that feels soft and springy.

Step 3: First Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a soft kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot.

Allow the dough to rise and double in size, which takes about 1-2 hours.

Step 4: Craft Almond Cinnamon Filling

In a bowl, blend together:
  • Almond paste
  • Softened butter
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Brown sugar

Mix until the ingredients become a delightful, fragrant spread.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Roll out the dough into a rectangle, aiming for about 1/4 inch thickness.

Spread the almond-cinnamon mixture evenly across the surface.

Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log.

Slice the log into 12 equal, beautiful spirals.

Step 6: Second Dough Rise

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Cover and let them puff up for 30-45 minutes until they look deliciously plump.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Slide the rolls into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Drizzle with Almond Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whip up a quick glaze by mixing:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Almond extract

Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips That Help Almond Cinnamon Rolls Shine

  • Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy texture.
  • Dust work surface and hands with flour to make kneading easier and prevent messy, sticky situations.
  • Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to help it rise consistently.
  • Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to slice rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough.
  • Cover rolls with foil halfway through baking if they brown too quickly, ensuring even cooking and preventing burning.

Keep Almond Cinnamon Rolls Soft and Warm

  • Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
  • Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm refrigerated rolls at 300°F for 10-12 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and retain softness.
  • Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel on top to keep them moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Almond Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Matches

  • Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: Rich espresso with steamed milk perfectly complements the sweet, nutty cinnamon rolls, balancing their warmth with a smooth coffee embrace.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Chilled, creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast, melting softly against the warm, spiced rolls and enhancing their almond notes.
  • Match with Spiced Chai Latte: Aromatic chai tea with its blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger echoes the rolls' spicy undertones, creating a harmonious flavor connection.
  • Enjoy with Caramel Pecan Sauce: Drizzle a homemade caramel sauce studded with toasted pecans over the rolls, amplifying the nutty almond profile and adding luxurious depth to each bite.

Creative Fillings for Almond Cinnamon Rolls

  • Gluten-Free Almond Cinnamon Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same soft texture while accommodating celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Nutty Rolls: Swap dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with a flax egg mixture for a plant-based version that maintains the rich almond flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free almond paste to create a diabetic-friendly option without sacrificing taste.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, and choose plant-based butter alternatives to create a roll that's friendly for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
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Almond Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Almond Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm, gooey Almond Cinnamon Rolls elevate breakfast to a delightful morning experience. Sweet almond essence and rich cinnamon swirls promise a comforting indulgence you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) warm milk (110°F/43°C)

Leavening and Sweeteners:

  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup (70 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar

Fats, Spices, and Flavorings:

  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (125 grams) almond paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 23 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk and sugar in a small vessel. Sprinkle yeast and allow it to bloom for 5-10 minutes until foamy and fragrant.
  2. Create a flour base in a large mixing bowl by whisking flour and salt. Form a central cavity and incorporate melted butter, egg, and activated yeast mixture.
  3. Develop the dough by blending ingredients until a rough texture emerges. Transfer to a floured surface and knead methodically for 8-10 minutes, achieving a smooth, elastic consistency.
  4. Allow initial fermentation by placing dough in a greased container. Cover and rest in a warm environment for 1-2 hours until volume doubles.
  5. Craft the filling by thoroughly blending almond paste, softened butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar into a cohesive mixture.
  6. Transform the dough by rolling into a thin rectangular shape. Distribute filling evenly across the surface, maintaining consistent coverage.
  7. Shape the rolls by tightly rolling from the longer edge and slicing into 12 uniform segments.
  8. Prepare for second proofing by arranging rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until visibly puffy.
  9. Bake at 350F (175C) for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until rolls achieve a golden-brown complexion.
  10. Finish by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract into a silky glaze. Drizzle generously over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

  • Yeast Activation Trick: Ensure milk is lukewarm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast and guarantee a perfect rise.
  • Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by stretching and folding the dough, creating a soft and fluffy texture.
  • Almond Paste Swap: Replace with ground almonds or almond flour for a lighter, less dense filling.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum to maintain the rolls’ structure and softness.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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