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Best Tres Leches Cinnamon Rolls

A pan of golden Best Tres Leches Cinnamon Rolls soaking in cream

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Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls soaked in a rich tres leches mixture of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and cream. These Tres Leches Cinnamon Rolls are incredibly moist, decadent, and flavorful without being soggyโ€”perfect for a special dessert or brunch treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (about body temperature)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the Filling:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the Tres Leches Mixture:
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For Topping:
  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon for dusting
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Warm the milk and dissolve the yeast in it. Let sit for a few minutes until foamy. Mix with flour, granulated sugar, salt, softened butter, and egg. Knead until smooth and elastic, then cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.

3. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

4. Bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 25โ€“30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.

6. While the rolls are still warm, poke holes all over them with a fork or skewer. Slowly pour the tres leches mixture evenly over the rolls, allowing it to soak in gradually.

7. Let the rolls rest for 15โ€“20 minutes to absorb the liquid.

8. Top with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, and chopped nuts if desired before serving.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.

Pour the tres leches mixture slowly to prevent oversaturating the rolls.

These rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated after soaking; serve chilled or slightly warmed.

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and coconut cream.