The Best Sweet Dulce Rolls Recipe: Heavenly Cinnamon Bliss

Warm, gooey sweet dulce rolls dance with irresistible charm on breakfast tables everywhere.

Bakeries across Latin America cherish this delectable dulce rolls recipe as a morning treasure.

Soft, pillowy dough cradles rich caramel notes that melt seamlessly with each tender bite.

Generations have passed down these comforting rolls, creating delicious memories in kitchens.

Buttery layers promise a decadent experience that whispers of home and tradition.

The aroma alone draws everyone to the kitchen, eager to savor these golden delights.

Brace yourself for a culinary journey that transforms ordinary mornings into extraordinary moments.

Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Rolls: Why You’ll Love Them

• These dulce de leche cinnamon rolls offer a cozy, warm embrace of sweetness that transforms an ordinary moment into a delightful experience.
• Despite seeming complex, this recipe allows home bakers to create professional-grade pastries with straightforward steps and minimal specialized skills.
• Swap nuts, adjust sweetness levels, or experiment with additional spices to make these rolls uniquely yours, perfect for personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Ideal for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or special celebrations, these rolls guarantee smiles and second helpings from everyone around the table.

Ingredients for Caramel Cinnamon Rolls

• Whole Milk: A key liquid component that helps activate the yeast and creates a soft texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps develop a tender dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast.
• Dry Yeast: Enables the dough to rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the cinnamon rolls.
• Baking Powder: Provides additional leavening to ensure a soft roll.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.

• Dulce De Leche: A sweet caramel sauce that adds rich, creamy flavor to the rolls.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a deep, caramel-like sweetness in the filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to the roll's interior.
• Melted Butter: Helps distribute the filling and adds moisture.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Provide a creamy, rich base for the frosting.
• Whole Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for spreading.
• Vanilla Bean: Adds deep, natural vanilla flavor to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

• Chopped Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the finished rolls.

What You’ll Need for Dulce de Leche Rolls

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and kneading dough smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key for perfect rolls.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out dough into a thin, even rectangle.
• Sharp Knife or Pastry Cutter: Perfect for slicing rolls evenly.
• Baking Tray: Provides space for rolls to rise and bake beautifully.
• Whisk: Great for mixing frosting ingredients until silky smooth.
• Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring dough and mixing ingredients.
• Pan for Simmering: Needed to transform condensed milk into dulce de leche.

Baking Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Create Caramel Goodness

Transform a can of sweetened condensed milk into golden caramel by submerging it completely in simmering water.

Let it bathe for 3 hours, ensuring the water covers the entire can.

After cooking, set aside to cool completely, preferably overnight.

Step 2: Awaken The Yeast

Combine warm whole milk, melted butter, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Sprinkle dry yeast over the mixture and allow it to bloom for a minute, creating a fragrant and bubbly base for your dough.

Step 3: Craft The Dough

Gradually incorporate flour into the yeast mixture.

Start with half the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

Add remaining flour, baking powder, and salt.

Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Layer With Caramel Delight

Roll the dough into a large rectangular shape.

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Step 5: Shape The Rolls

Tightly roll the dough into a log, creating beautiful swirls of caramel and cinnamon.

Slice the log into even portions and nestle them into a greased baking tray.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into a preheated oven at 350F.

Bake until the rolls turn a gorgeous golden brown, approximately 25-30 minutes.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Blend cream cheese, butter, milk, vanilla bean seeds, and powdered sugar until silky smooth.

The frosting should be light and spreadable.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Drizzle the warm cinnamon rolls with luxurious frosting.

Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Gooey Caramel Rolls

• Ensure the condensed milk can remains fully submerged during the 3-hour cooking process to prevent potential can damage and achieve a perfect caramel consistency.
• Use warm milk (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it, creating a light and fluffy dough texture.
• Spend extra time kneading the dough until smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten and results in tender cinnamon rolls.
• Watch the rolls closely during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and ensure a golden, moist interior.
• Apply the cream cheese frosting when the rolls are still slightly warm to help the frosting melt and spread evenly across the surface.

Ways to Vary Your Cinnamon Rolls

• Chocolate Dulce De Leche Rolls: Replace cinnamon with cocoa powder and add dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent version that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Rolls: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum to maintain dough structure for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Caramel Cinnamon Rolls: Use coconut milk instead of whole milk, swap butter with plant-based margarine, and create dairy-free dulce de leche using coconut condensed milk for a plant-based alternative.
• Nutty Tropical Variation: Mix shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts into the filling for a Hawaiian-inspired twist that adds crunch and exotic flavor to the classic recipe.

Serving Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Rolls

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these dulce de leche cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate for a luxurious morning treat.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Serve on a beautiful ceramic plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.
• Weekend Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning brunch spread by arranging the rolls on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves for a colorful and inviting display.
• Family Sharing Moment: Cut the rolls into smaller pieces so everyone can enjoy different portions, making it perfect for casual family gatherings or weekend brunches.

Best Storage Tips for Cinnamon Rolls

• Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a damp paper towel over the roll to prevent dryness and restore softness.

FAQs

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

Add the yeast to warm milk and wait 1 minute. If it becomes foamy and bubbly, the yeast is alive and ready to use. If nothing happens, the yeast might be expired and you’ll need to replace it.

• Can I make dulce de leche differently?

Yes, you can use the oven method by pouring sweetened condensed milk into a baking dish, covering with foil, and baking in a water bath at 425F for about 1-1.5 hours. Another option is using a pressure cooker, which takes around 25-30 minutes.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) and your yeast is fresh. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.

Sweet Dulce Rolls Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Heavenly Colombian sweet dulce rolls combine rich heritage with pillowy pastry delights. Warm spices and sweet notes invite bakers to explore a comforting culinary journey that connects you directly to traditional Latin American kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 625 g (5 cups) flour
• 1 packet dry yeast
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm whole milk

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• 115 g (1/2 cup) melted unsalted butter (for dough)
• 115 g (1/2 cup) melted butter (for spreading)
• 130 g (2/3 cup) soft brown sugar
• 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 60 g (1/2 cup) pecans

Frosting and Additional Ingredients:

• 100 g cream cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter (for frosting)
• 4 tablespoons whole milk (for frosting)
• 320 g (2 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
• 1 vanilla bean
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons salt

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Instructions

1. Transform an unopened sweetened condensed milk can into dulce de leche by submerging it completely in simmering water for 3 hours. Allow the can to cool thoroughly, preferably overnight, creating a rich caramel base.
2. Activate dry yeast in warm whole milk, blending it with melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Let the mixture rest momentarily to awaken the yeast’s fermentation potential.
3. Gradually incorporate flour into the liquid mixture, creating a cohesive dough. Knead thoroughly on a floured surface until the texture becomes smooth and elastic, developing gluten structure.
4. Gently roll the dough into a rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness. Generously spread the cooled dulce de leche across the surface, followed by a layer of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for maximum flavor complexity.
5. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylindrical log, maintaining consistent tension. Slice the log into uniform rolls, positioning them strategically in a greased baking tray to allow room for expansion.
6. Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, monitoring their transformation into golden-brown delicacies with crisp edges and soft interiors.
7. Craft a luxurious frosting by whisking cream cheese, butter, whole milk, scraped vanilla bean, and powdered sugar until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
8. Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, cascade the creamy frosting over the warm surface. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling chopped pecans, adding textural contrast and nutty depth.

Notes

• Swap out whole milk for plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version of these indulgent rolls.
• Make homemade dulce de leche safely by using a double boiler or instant pot method to prevent can explosions during cooking.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of sea salt to the filling or incorporating ground cardamom alongside cinnamon for a sophisticated twist.
• Prepare dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight for improved texture and deeper fermentation, resulting in more developed flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 32 mg