Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you have a soft spot for warm, fragrant breakfasts or sweet treats that fill your home with comforting scents, this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, fluffy dough wrapped around a luscious filling of spiced, caramelized apples that melt in your mouth with every bite. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, these rolls are a delightful blend of sweetness and spice that feels like a snug hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy weekend brunch, this recipe promises joy in every swirl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe are simple kitchen staples, yet each one plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the airy yeast that creates the soft dough to the sweet richness of the brown sugar and spices in the filling, you’ll be amazed how these humble ingredients come together to create a show-stopping treat.

• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp / 1 packet): This is the magic agent that makes your dough rise beautifully, giving those rolls a light and tender crumb.
• Warm water (1/4 cup at 110°F/45°C): Helps activate the yeast for that essential bubbly froth.
• Warm milk (1/2 cup at 110°F/45°C): Adds richness and keeps the dough moist and soft.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough just right and feeds the yeast.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Infuses the dough with a subtle buttery flavor and tenderness.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Large egg (1): Binds the dough and enriches its texture.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The sturdy foundation for your soft, elastic dough.
• Medium apples, peeled and diced (3): Provide juicy, tender chunks bursting with natural sweetness and texture.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a deep caramel note to the filling that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): Gives the filling that unmistakable cozy, warming flavor.
• Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): A subtle spice that layers in complexity and richness.
• Softened unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Used to spread over the dough base for that luscious richness right before rolling.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Forms the base of the sweet, glossy glaze.
• Milk (2 tbsp): Thins out the glaze to just the right consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Rounds out the glaze with a lovely aromatic finish.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining the active dry yeast with warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top. This is the sign that your yeast is alive and ready to make your dough rise delightfully.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. This mixture builds the flavor and tender crumb of your dough, ensuring your rolls will be irresistibly soft.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the yeast mixture, then gradually add the flour while mixing until you form a soft dough. It should feel supple yet slightly sticky, teasing you with the promise of soft rolls ahead.

Step 4: Knead Until Smooth

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. This step develops the gluten, giving your rolls that perfect chewiness and structure without toughness.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it roughly doubles in size—typically about an hour. This rise fills your kitchen with hopeful anticipation.

Step 6: Cook the Apple Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Cook the peeled, diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan over medium heat for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture becomes syrupy. Let this cool completely before spreading.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. This creates the perfect canvas for spreading all the fragrant apple filling and butter.

Step 8: Spread Butter and Filling

Brush softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cooled apple mixture on top. This layering step ensures each bite bursts with that caramelized apple goodness.

Step 9: Roll and Cut

Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, then slice it into 12 equal rolls. This structure guarantees even rising and baking so every roll shines.

Step 10: Second Rise in the Pan

Place the rolls in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes. This final puff-up creates that lovely pillowy texture right before baking.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops turn beautifully golden brown and their aroma fills the room.

Step 12: Glaze and Serve

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly and add that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted nuts on top of the glaze for an eye-catching, flavorful boost. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snow-kissed look that’s simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine as the star, but they pair beautifully with fresh fruit salad, whipped cream, or even a dollop of vanilla yogurt for a balanced breakfast plate that offers a lovely contrast to their rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving them warm in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin to keep them cozy. For a special touch, place each apple cinnamon roll in a colorful cupcake liner—this makes them perfect for brunch parties or holiday spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is a safe option but may dry them out slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping, by wrapping the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow a final rise before baking. Alternatively, freeze fully baked rolls in an airtight container, then thaw and reheat as needed.

Reheating

For best results, warm the rolls gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave a single roll for about 20 seconds. This brings back the fresh-baked softness and ensures the glaze melts delightfully.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are great for balancing sweetness, any firm apple variety works well. Just make sure to avoid overly soft apples that might become mushy when cooked.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan margarine to keep the rolls moist and delicious without dairy.

How do I know if my yeast is still good?

If your yeast bubbles and foams within 10 minutes after mixing with warm water and a pinch of sugar, it’s active and ready. If it doesn’t, it’s best to use a fresh packet to ensure your dough rises properly.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins add lovely texture and flavor contrasts. Just fold them into the apple filling before spreading on the dough.

What’s the best way to keep the rolls soft for longer?

Store them in an airtight container and consider reheating briefly before serving to refresh their fluffy texture. Avoid refrigerating too long, as this can dry them out.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is one of those truly heartwarming dishes that turns any ordinary day into a celebration of simple joys. The way the spiced apples meld with the tender dough and the sweet vanilla glaze just feels like pure comfort. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll be rewarded with a batch of homemade rolls so good that they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too.

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