Tres Leches Cinnamon Rolls: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tres Leches Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent fusion of two beloved treats: cinnamon rolls and the classic Mexican dessert, tres leches cake. These rolls are soft, pillowy, and soaked in a rich blend of three milks, creating a luscious, moist texture that will melt in your mouth. Topped with a creamy glaze, they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion. If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls and enjoy indulgent, flavorful desserts, this recipe is a must-try!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the tres leches mixture:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

For the glaze:

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

directions

1. Make the dough: In a saucepan, warm the milk and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and let it cool to lukewarm. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture, add a pinch of sugar, and let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
4. Shape the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly into a log. Slice the dough into 12 even rolls and place them in the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake the rolls: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Make the tres leches mixture: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl.
7. Soak the rolls: Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately pour the tres leches mixture over the hot rolls, making sure it soaks in evenly. Let the rolls sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
8. Glaze the rolls: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the soaked cinnamon rolls.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 rolls.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1-2 hours
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Soaking and glazing time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2-3 hours

Variations

• Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon filling for extra crunch.
• Use different flavored extracts, like almond or hazelnut, to change the flavor profile of the glaze.
• For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving.

storage/reheating

Store Tres Leches Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then cover them and refrigerate overnight. Bake them the next morning and soak them in the tres leches mixture after they come out of the oven.

Can I make this without yeast?
This recipe requires yeast for the dough to rise and create the soft, fluffy texture. You can experiment with a baking powder-based dough for a quicker version, but the texture and flavor will be different.

Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk of your choice, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Can I skip the glaze?
The glaze adds a final touch of sweetness, but if you prefer, you can skip it or use a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just use a bigger baking dish and adjust the baking time if necessary.

Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the rolls either before or after soaking them in the tres leches mixture. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

Tres Leches Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence, combining the soft, fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls with the rich, moist flavor of tres leches cake. Whether for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these rolls are sure to be a hit. With their melt-in-your-mouth goodness, they’re the perfect way to elevate any breakfast or dessert table.

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