Melomakarona cinnamon rolls

5 from 2 votes

Sweet rolls made with crumbled melomakarona, or Greek cookies and topped with a honey cream cheese frosting.

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Rising time3

Total Time4

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: Greek

Diet: Diabetic

Servings: pieces

Calories: 497kcal

Author: Billie Bitzas

Prepare your yeast mixture by combining the yeast, lukewarm water and sugar. Mix well and allow to sit in a warm place for 10 minutes. You should see that bubbles have formed on the surface of your mixture.
¾ cup lukewarm water, 2½ tsp active dry yeast, 1 tbsp sugar
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment combine all of your dough ingredients, including the yeast mixture. Mix on medium speed for approximately 8 - 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and has pulled away from the sides of the mixing bowl.
3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, ⅓ cup sugar, 4 tbsp butter, unsalted, 1 tsp Kosher salt
Transfer to a large bowl that has been lightly coated with flour. Cover with plastic wrap and then a clean towel. Leave in a warm spot for at least 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, punch down the dough and then transfer it to a floured work surface. Roll the dough out until you make a rectangle that is about 13 x 18 inches.

Combine the softened butter with the cinnamon, and then add in the crushed melomakarona. Mix well to combine. Spread the orange marmalade over the dough, and then spread the filling over that, covering all areas of the dough.
¼ cup butter, softened, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 cup crumbled melomakarona cookies, 5 tbsp orange marmalade
Roll the cinnamon rolls as tightly as possible, being careful not to tear or break the dough.
Using dental floss (the easiest way), cut the melomakarona roll into approximately 2 inch sections; you should get 8 melomakarona rolls. Transfer them to a parchment lined baking pan. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 °F

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until well combined.
3 tbsp butter, softened, ½ cup cream cheese, ¼ cup icing sugar, 2 tbsp honey

Once your melomakarona rolls have rested for 30 minutes, top each one with about ½ tablespoon of heavy cream. Bake in the middle rack of your oven for 25 - 30 minutes.
4 tbsp heavy cream
Once the melomakarona rolls are done, let them cool in the pan for about 2 - 3 minutes and then top with the cream cheese and honey topping. Spread evenly across the melomakarona rolls. Drizzle more honey on top, and then garnish with crumbled melomakarona cookies.
1 - 2 tbsp honey, ¼ cup crumbled melomakarona cookies
Enjoy!