Name: Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: PT-492062H5M52S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups lukewarm milk (360g); 1 ½ teaspoons instant dry yeast (5g); ½ cup + 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (120g); 3 large eggs; 5 ¾ cups bread flour plus more for dusting (720g); ½ cup unsalted butter softened (113g); 2 ¼ teaspoons salt (14g); ½ cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; ¾ cup unsalted butter softened to touch; 4 oz cream cheese softened; ½ cup unsalted butter softened; ½ cup dark brown sugar; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla paste; 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream; Pinch of salt; 1¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled; 1 cup store-bought or homemade dulce de leche

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 4 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a truly indulgent treat that feels like a warm hug in pastry form, you are absolutely going to love this Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Rich, gooey, and packed with the perfect blend of cinnamon spice and decadent dulce de leche drizzle, these rolls elevate a classic favorite into an irresistible showstopper. From their tender, buttery dough to the luscious brown sugar buttercream frosting topped with crunchy cinnamon streusel, every bite is pure bliss. Whether you’re serving these for brunch, a cozy weekend breakfast, or a special celebration, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten any day with its melt-in-your-mouth magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a smooth, pale beige dough that has a slightly glossy texture, showing soft ridges and folds. The bowl is placed on a dark wooden surface with a white marbled background barely visible around the edges. The dough looks fresh and well-kneaded, centered in the bowl with a thick, creamy appearance photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe relies on simple, classic ingredients that work together beautifully to deliver unbeatable texture, flavor, and that golden-brown color we all crave. Think creamy milk for softness, cinnamon for a fragrant kick, and plenty of butter for rich, tender layers.

Lukewarm milk (1 ½ cups): The warmth wakes up yeast and adds moisture to the dough for fluffiness.
Instant dry yeast (1 ½ teaspoons): The magic behind the dough’s rise and airy texture.
Granulated sugar (½ cup + 2 teaspoons): Sweetness that balances spice and enhances browning.
Large eggs (3): Richness and structure to help bind everything together.
Bread flour (5 ¾ cups): High-protein flour ensures a chewy, stretchy dough perfect for rolls.
Unsalted butter (½ cup softened plus ¾ cup for filling and frosting): Adds moistness, richness, and irresistible flavor layers.
Salt (2 ¼ teaspoons): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Heavy whipping cream (½ cup): Poured over dough before baking to encourage a soft, tender crumb.
Brown sugar (1 cup packed for filling, ½ cup dark for frosting, ½ cup light for streusel): Provides deep caramel notes and moisture.
Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons for filling, 1 ½ teaspoons for streusel): The star spice that fills the rolls with warmth.
Cream cheese (4 oz softened): For tangy, silky frosting that pairs perfectly with the sweet filling.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Creates a smooth, fluffy frosting texture.
Vanilla paste (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic sweetness to the frosting.
Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon for streusel): Balances flavors in the crumbly topping.
All-purpose flour (1¼ cups for streusel): Builds that buttery morning crunch topping.
Dulce de leche (1 cup): The indulgent drizzle that turns these cinnamon rolls into pure decadence.

How to Make Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by waking up the yeast with lukewarm milk, a bit of sugar, and yeast itself. Let this mixture get foamy for about 10 minutes—that’s your sign everything is alive and ready to work. Next, add the remaining sugar, eggs, bread flour, softened butter, and salt into the mix. Using a dough hook on a stand mixer, knead for 6-7 minutes until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and just a bit tacky but not sticky. From here, transfer it to an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for an hour. After that first rise, give it a gentle stretch and fold to develop texture, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. That cold proof step amps up flavor and makes the dough easier to handle later.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough chills, whip together your brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter using a mixer until it’s creamy and perfectly spreadable. This blend is what infuses every bite with warm, irresistible cinnamon richness—so don’t skip or skim on this step!

Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough

Flour your surface lightly and roll the dough into a roughly 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread your cinnamon filling evenly all over the dough, leaving about half an inch clean on one long edge to help seal your roll. Now, starting from the opposite long edge, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log shape. Trim uneven edges, then slice the log into 12 uniform rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored floss. Arrange these in a parchment-lined baking pan with light space for them to puff and grow. Cover and let them rise again for up to an hour until beautifully puffy.

Step 4: Bake with Cream for Extra Tenderness

Before baking, pour warm heavy cream over the tops of your risen rolls. This sneaky step imbues the layers with extra softness and keeps the crumb moist. Bake the rolls first at 375°F for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F for another 20-25 minutes until golden and breathtakingly fragrant. If they brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 5: Create Cinnamon Streusel and Frosting

While your rolls cool, prepare the cinnamon streusel topping by mixing flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt, then folding in melted butter until clumps form. Bake these clumps until golden, then cool and crumble. For the frosting, beat cream cheese, softened butter, and dark brown sugar until silky, then incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream to fluff up the spread.

Step 6: Assemble and Finish

Slather the mellow brown sugar buttercream all over the slightly cooled rolls, drizzle with generous amounts of rich dulce de leche, and sprinkle with cinnamon streusel crumbs. Serve warm or room temperature for maximum joy.

How to Serve Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of soft, golden-brown baked rolls arranged next to each other. Each roll is topped with a swirl of creamy, light beige frosting, drizzled with glossy caramel sauce in thin lines. On top of the caramel, there are small clusters of crumbly brown streusel, adding a crunchy texture. The background is a white marbled surface, creating a clean contrast with the warm colors of the rolls and toppings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the dulce de leche drizzle heightens the sweet notes and adds a delightful contrast that will leave everyone craving more. You can also add toasted pecans or chopped nuts for extra crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a simple fresh fruit salad to brighten the palate or a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for that cozy morning ritual. A dollop of whipped cream on the side can also add an extra layer of indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this recipe on a pretty wooden board with whole cinnamon sticks as a rustic touch, or arrange rolls stacked on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching brunch centerpiece. For gift-giving, wrap a stack of baked rolls in parchment tied with ribbon and a jar of extra dulce de leche on the side—perfect for sharing the love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe airtight at room temperature for up to two days. They remain soft and delicious, but for best texture, refresh by warming slightly before serving.

Freezing

Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. This is great for prepping ahead for celebrations or quick indulgences anytime.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated rolls back to life, unwrap and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individually for 20-30 seconds until soft and gooey again. Add extra drizzle of dulce de leche before serving for that freshly made magic.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand—it just takes a bit more elbow grease. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.

What if I don’t have dulce de leche? Can I make it at home?

Yes, you can make homemade dulce de leche by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk or by baking a can of condensed milk in a water bath. Either method gives beautifully rich caramel perfect for this recipe.

Can these rolls be made vegan?

With a few substitutions like plant milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg, you can adapt this recipe. Keep in mind the richness and texture will shift slightly, but it’s still wonderfully tasty.

Why do I pour cream over the rolls before baking?

The cream gently seeps into the layers, making the crumb softer and richer rather than dry or crumbly—it’s a secret step that takes this recipe to the next level.

How can I make the cinnamon rolls extra cinnamon-y?

You can increase the cinnamon in the filling slightly or even sprinkle a bit extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking. Just be careful not to overpower the perfect balance with too much spice.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully comforting and celebratory about baking a batch of these Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. They are impressive enough to wow family and friends but simple enough to make your own weekend mornings feel special. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience that perfect swirl of cinnamon, butter, and caramel goodness that melts your heart with every bite!