Best Almond Sweet Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These best almond sweet rolls are soft, tender, and filled with a rich almond-flavored filling. Topped with a smooth almond icing and crunchy sliced almonds, they make a perfect treat for breakfast or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• For the filling:
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup almond meal
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown butter
• For the icing:
• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar (icing sugar)
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup sliced almonds for topping
• Icing sugar (confectioner’s sugar) for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the milk, water, and granulated sugar. Mix well, then sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Cover and let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and blooms.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Step 3: Add the frothy yeast mixture, egg, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Fold to combine, then transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until soft and pliable.
4. Step 4: Gradually incorporate the softened brown butter into the dough. The dough will become soft and a bit sloppy at first. Continue kneading until the butter is fully absorbed and the dough is soft, tacky but not sticky.
5. Step 5: Grease a bowl, place the dough inside, cover it, and refrigerate for a cold rise for 8 to 12 hours or overnight.
6. Step 6: Remove the chilled dough and roll it out on a floured surface with a rolling pin.
7. Step 7: Prepare the filling by mixing together the granulated sugar, brown butter, almond meal, and egg. Spread this evenly over the rolled-out dough.
8. Step 8: Carefully roll the dough tightly without gaps and pinch the seam to seal it well.
9. Step 9: Using a serrated knife, slice the roll into equal pieces. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and place the rolls evenly inside.
10. Step 10: Let the rolls proof for another 30 minutes at room temperature.
11. Step 11: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
12. Step 12: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature.
13. Step 13: While the rolls cool, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and almond extract to make the icing. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
14. Step 14: Finish with a light dusting of icing sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use homemade brown butter by gently melting and browning unsalted butter until nutty and fragrant.
• If you don’t have almond meal, finely chop almonds or substitute with crushed hazelnuts for a different nutty touch.
• To make these rolls dairy-free, substitute milk with almond milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
• For extra texture, sprinkle some chopped toasted almonds inside the filling before rolling.
• Make sure the brown butter is softened but not melted when mixing into the dough for best consistency.

Storage

Store the almond sweet rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–10 minutes or microwave briefly until warm. Add fresh icing after reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Since instant yeast doesn’t require proofing, mix it directly with the flour and adjust the rising time slightly as the dough may rise faster.

Why is the dough refrigerated overnight?

Refrigerating the dough for a cold rise slows down fermentation, enhancing the flavor and texture of the rolls. It also makes the dough easier to handle and develop a tender crumb.

Best Almond Sweet Rolls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 136 reviews

These Best Almond Sweet Rolls are soft, buttery, and filled with a rich almond-flavored filling. The dough undergoes a slow, cold rise for enhanced flavor and texture, then is rolled with a delightful almond-sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a smooth almond icing and crunchy sliced almonds on top. Perfect for a special breakfast or dessert.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 9-12 hours 40 minutes (including cold proofing and final proof)
• Yield: 9–12 rolls 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Filling

• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup almond meal
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown butter

Icing

• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar (icing sugar)
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
• Additional icing sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare the yeast mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the milk, a little water, and the measured granulated sugar. Stir well, then sprinkle in the active dry yeast. Cover the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast blooms and becomes foamy.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Combine dough ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture along with the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Fold everything together until a rough dough starts to form.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead. Once the dough is soft and pliable, incorporate the softened brown butter. The dough will become sloppy at first; continue kneading until the butter is fully absorbed and the dough is soft, tacky, but not sticky.
5. Cold proof: Lightly grease a bowl, place the dough inside, cover it, and refrigerate for a cold rise of 8 to 12 hours (ideally overnight). This slow fermentation develops flavor and improves texture.
6. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown butter, almond meal, and the egg until well combined.
7. Roll out the dough: The next day, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface using a rolling pin into a rectangle shape suitable for filling.
8. Fill and shape rolls: Spread the almond filling evenly over the rolled dough. Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other, ensuring no gaps. Pinch or seal the seam tightly to secure the roll.
9. Slice rolls: Using a serrated knife, slice the rolled dough into equal portions.
10. Arrange and proof: Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Arrange the sliced rolls evenly in the pan. Cover and allow them to proof for another 30 minutes at room temperature.
11. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
12. Bake: Bake the proofed rolls in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
13. Cool: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature.
14. Prepare icing: Whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth and pourable.
15. Finish and garnish: Drizzle the almond icing over the warm rolls, sprinkle the sliced almonds on top, and finish with a dusting of additional icing sugar.

Notes

• Cold proofing the dough overnight improves flavor and texture by allowing slow fermentation.
• Use brown butter softened to room temperature to help it incorporate smoothly into the dough and filling.
• Ensure the rolls are sealed well when rolling to prevent filling leakage during baking.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
• Sliced almonds add a lovely crunch and visual appeal as a topping.
• Adjust proofing times slightly based on room temperature if needed.

Keywords: almond sweet rolls, almond rolls, sweet rolls, almond filling, baked rolls, breakfast pastry, brown butter rolls