Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls

Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls

This is a recipe from the files of Giada. I like the fact that it has a shortcut with frozen bread dough. Sometimes you just get caught short on time and these short cuts make all the difference.

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3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 (1-pound) loaf purchased frozen white bread dough
3/4 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
1 tablespoon buttermilk

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Directions:

Brush 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the bottom and sides of an 8 by 8 by 2-inch baking dish. 

Mix the nuts, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves in a small bowl. 

Roll out the thawed dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12 by 9-inch rectangle. Brush 1 tablespoon of butter over the dough. Sprinkle the nut mixture over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border along the top and bottom sides. 

Starting at 1 long side, roll up the dough jelly-roll style, forming a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into 9 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls, cut side down, in the prepared baking dish, spacing evenly. 

Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let the rolls rise in a warm draft-free area until puffed, about 45 minutes. 

Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees.  

Bake the cinnamon rolls uncovered until the tops are golden brown, about 25 minutes. 

Meanwhile, whisk the powdered sugar, mascarpone cheese, and buttermilk in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Brush the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over the baked cinnamon rolls and then drizzle the mascarpone cheese mixture over top.  Serve warm.