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Apple Cinnamon Rolls

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Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a warm, comforting treat packed with gooey cinnamon-spiced apples and a soft, fluffy dough. These homemade rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Topped with a luscious glaze, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft and Fluffy Texture – These rolls are light, airy, and melt in your mouth.
  • Warm Apple-Cinnamon Flavor – A delicious mix of tender apples and fragrant cinnamon.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert.
  • Customizable – Add nuts, raisins, or a caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prep the rolls in advance for an easy bake in the morning.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Warm milk
  • Active dry yeast
  • Butter (melted)
  • Eggs
  • Salt

For the Filling:

  • Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Butter (softened)
  • Nutmeg (optional)

For the Glaze:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk or cream
  • Vanilla extract

Directions

this recipe
  1. Prepare the dough – In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and flour, then knead until smooth. Let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
  2. Make the filling – In a pan, cook diced apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until softened. Let it cool.
  3. Roll out the dough – On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over it and sprinkle the apple mixture evenly.
  4. Shape the rolls – Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into equal-sized rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
  5. Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Make the glaze – Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes about 12 rolls
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

  • Caramel Apple Rolls – Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze for a rich, indulgent twist.
  • Nutty Addition – Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for crunch.
  • Raisin Cinnamon Rolls – Mix in raisins with the apple filling for extra sweetness.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting – Swap the glaze for a tangy cream cheese frosting.
  • Spiced Dough – Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes! Refrigerated dough can be used for a quicker version.

What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples hold up well when baked.

Can I prepare these the night before?

Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Why didn’t my rolls rise properly?

Check if your yeast is fresh, and ensure your milk is warm but not too hot.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but the rolls may be denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for balance.

How do I keep my rolls soft?

Avoid overbaking, and store them in an airtight container to keep moisture in.

What’s the best way to roll and cut the dough?

Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts.

Can I add more spices?

Absolutely! A pinch of cloves or allspice can enhance the flavor.

Do I have to cook the apples first?

Cooking the apples softens them and enhances their flavor, but you can skip this step for a firmer texture.

How can I make these dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining soft, fluffy dough with a delicious apple-cinnamon filling. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, they’re a comforting and flavorful delight. Try them today and make your mornings extra special!

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Apple Cinnamon Rolls

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with spiced apples and cinnamon sugar, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for fall mornings, weekend brunch, or a cozy treat, they bring together the comforting flavors of apple pie and cinnamon rolls in one bite!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (7g) instant yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg

For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:

  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled & diced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (to absorb excess juice!)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency!)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. (If using instant yeast, you can skip the wait!)
  2. Add melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined.
  3. Gradually add the remaining 1 ½ cups of flour, kneading until a soft dough forms (8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer).
  4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling

  1. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until apples soften slightly. Let cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

  1. Roll out the dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  2. Brush with melted butter, then spread the apple filling evenly over the dough.
  3. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, then cut into 12 even rolls.
  4. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Vanilla Glaze & Serve

  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Want extra gooey rolls? Add ½ cup of caramel sauce on top before baking.
  • Love nuts? Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling.
  • Make ahead! Prep the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning!
  • Prefer cream cheese icing? Swap the glaze for a cream cheese frosting for extra richness.

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