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Tres Leches Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls baked until golden, then heavily soaked in a sweet three-milk mixture and topped with rich cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rise Time 2 hours
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Baking, Mexican-American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup whole milk warm (110°F)
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar divided
  • 0.33 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 4.5 cups all-purpose flour divided
  • 1 tsp salt
Cinnamon Filling
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter very soft
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 2.5 tbsp ground cinnamon
Tres Leches Soak
  • 0.5 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 0.5 cup evaporated milk
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream or whole milk
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 6 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Rolling pin
  • Dental floss (unflavored)

Method
 

  1. Mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5-10 mins until frothy.
  2. Add remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and 4 cups flour. Knead for 5-7 mins until smooth. Add remaining flour if too sticky.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
  4. Roll dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over the butter.
  5. Roll the dough tightly into a log. Use unflavored dental floss to cut into 12 slices. Place in a greased 9x13 dish.
  6. Cover and let rise for 30-45 mins until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Bake for 20-25 mins until golden brown. Whisk the three milks together while baking.
  8. Remove rolls from oven, let cool for 5 mins, then pour the milk mixture evenly over the warm rolls. Let soak for 30 mins.
  9. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread over warm rolls and dust with extra cinnamon.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator due to the dairy soak and frosting. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to serve.