These apple cinnamon rolls are a warm and comforting treat that you’ll love to whip up any day of the week. With flakey layers bursting with sweet cinnamon and tender apples, they make the perfect breakfast or dessert.
This recipe addresses common concerns regarding dough rising, achieving fluffiness, and creating balanced flavors in apple cinnamon rolls.
I remember a busy weekend when I forgot to buy breakfast for surprise guests. But by using this recipe, I could throw these rolls together and impress everyone without a big fuss (thankfully! ). The smell of buttery dough and baking apples filled the house, drawing everyone to the kitchen.
This recipe works well because it’s reliable and straightforward, offering a mouthwatering result in under three hours from start to finish. It really lets the true flavors shine through, making it a hit every time.
If you want something a little different, try my Puff Pastry Apple Rosettes for another delicious apple treat!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of yeast and wheat-based flour in the dough preparation.
- The recipe contains butter and milk, so it is unsuitable for vegan diets without dairy substitutions.
- This recipe does not meet keto or low-carb diets because of brown sugar and flour content.
- The recipe is vegetarian as it includes no meat or animal-derived gelatin ingredients.
- The recipe is nut-free since none of the ingredients contain or derive from nuts.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Warm and Comforting These apple cinnamon rolls are filled with Honeycrisp apples and aromatic cinnamon, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s reminiscent of fall mornings. You’ll appreciate the combo of warm spices and fresh apples in every bite.
- Fluffy Texture The dough turns out light and airy thanks to the active dry yeast and a good amount of warm milk. This results in rolls that are soft and pillowy, perfect for pulling apart and sharing.
- Rich Topping The brown butter maple icing adds a luxurious finish, turning each roll into a sweet treat. You’ll find that the nutty flavor of the butter complements the apples beautifully, bringing everything together in a delightful way.
- Great for Making Ahead Prepare these rolls in advance and refrigerate them overnight. This makes it easy to whip up a delicious breakfast or brunch on busy mornings, elevating your routine with minimal effort.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cool Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously fluffy apple cinnamon rolls topped with brown butter maple icing. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for dough)
- 4 tablespoons (57g) salted butter, softened (for dough)
- 3 large eggs
- 3 1/2 – 4 cups (420-480g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons (85g) salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- Honeycrisp apples, peeled if desired but recommended to leave skin on for texture
- Cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons (57g) salted butter
- 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
- 6 ounces (170g) cream cheese
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 cups (approx. 240-360g) powdered sugar
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine 1 cup (240ml) warm milk, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is bubbly on top, indicating the yeast is activated and alive.
- Step 2: Add 4 tablespoons (57g) softened salted butter, 3 large eggs, 3 1/2 to 4 cups (420-480g) all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, mix until all flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth and slightly sticky, about 4-5 minutes. If too wet, add a little more flour slowly until the right consistency is reached.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot at room temperature. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. If dough rises too slowly, move it to a warmer place for an additional 30 minutes, covered with a clean towel to retain heat.
- Step 4: While the dough rises, mix the filling ingredients by combining 6 tablespoons (85g) softened salted butter, 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Peel and prepare Honeycrisp apples (skin on recommended), then add apples to the filling mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Aim for a thin but manageable thickness for rolling, not specified exactly but typically about 1/4 inch (6mm). Spread the apple filling evenly over the rolled dough surface, ensuring an even, moderately thin layer to prevent difficulty rolling.
- Step 6: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, ensuring the filling is snug and edges pressed to seal to prevent filling spill.
- Step 7: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled log into 12 equal portions, approximately 1½-inch thick slices. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish with space between them. Cover again with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Step 8: Preheat the oven (temperature not explicitly stated; typical cinnamon roll baking temps are 350°F/175°C). Bake the rolls until golden brown on top and the kitchen fills with the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Step 9: While the rolls bake, prepare the icing by melting 4 tablespoons (57g) butter to brown it slightly, then mix it with 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup, 6 ounces (170g) cream cheese, 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Gradually stir in 2-3 cups (240-360g) powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and of drizzling consistency. Drizzle the warm icing over the rolls immediately after removing them from the oven so it melts slightly.
- Step 10: Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning. Serve warm.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigeration: Place rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Individually wrap rolls in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in a freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating or serving.
- To fix dough that rises too slowly, place it in a warm spot covered with a clean towel to retain heat for an additional 30 minutes.
- If the rolls seem dry after baking, brush melted butter on them immediately to add moisture and richness.
- For icing that is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until achieving the desired drizzling consistency.
- Use a sharp knife when slicing the dough log into rolls to prevent squishing; aim for 1½-inch thick slices for even baking.
- Roll the dough tightly and press edges firmly to keep filling securely inside and prevent spills during baking.
- Reheat the rolls by warming them gently at a moderate temperature (not explicitly specified, but typically 300°F/150°C for 10-15 minutes) or using a microwave to soften.
- Serve with a fresh fruit salad or a warm bowl of oatmeal for a complete breakfast.
- Pair rolls with a simple green salad or yogurt for variety.
- Use leftover rolls to create apple cinnamon roll bread pudding or dessert casseroles.
- Top rolls with caramel sauce or sprinkle with toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoy with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredient Notes
- Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness. Freshness is key; skip any that are bruised or soft.
- Cinnamon: Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best flavor. Check the spice’s aroma; stale cinnamon lacks that warm, inviting scent.
- Brown sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works well; dark gives a richer flavor. Store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and easy to scoop.
- Milk: Whole milk gives great moisture to the dough. If you’re out, any milk will do; just avoid non-dairy options for this recipe.
- Yeast: Active dry yeast is what you need. Look for the fresh packets; expired yeast won’t give your rolls that fluffy rise we want.
- Butter: Use unsalted, high-quality butter for a rich flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easier mixing, leave it out at room temperature before starting!
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla improves the overall flavor. Avoid imitation versions; they don’t have the same depth and richness.
Recipe Tips
- If the dough rises too slowly, place it in a warm spot for 30 minutes, covering it with a clean towel to retain heat.
- If your rolls seem dry, brush them with melted butter immediately after baking to add moisture and enhance flavor.
- If your icing is too thick, mix in 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until reaching your desired drizzling consistency.
- When cutting the rolled dough, use a sharp knife to prevent squishing the rolls; aim for 1½-inch slices for even baking.
- If your filling spills out, roll your dough tightly, pressing the edges to seal, and ensure a snug fit as you slice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fresh fruit salad or a warm bowl of oatmeal. Pair with a simple green salad or yogurt for added variety.
Use to make apple cinnamon roll bread pudding or apple cinnamon roll dessert casserole. Add to a breakfast brunch spread or as a sweet snack option.
Top with caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. Enjoy with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Recipe variations
- You can use tart Granny Smith apples instead of Honeycrisp for a sharper flavor in your apple cinnamon rolls. Add 1 tablespoon cinnamon with 1/2 cup brown sugar for the filling.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves to the filling for a spiced twist that complements the apple and cinnamon in the rolls.
- Either unsalted butter or salted butter can be used in the dough, but reduce added salt by 1/4 teaspoon if using salted butter to keep the flavor balanced.
- If scaling up, double the ingredients for 24 rolls, baking in two 9×13-inch pans. This adjustment matches the foundation recipe’s timing and oven temperature.
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How to Store?
To keep your apple cinnamon rolls fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: Place the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 7 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Wrap apple cinnamon rolls individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Use a freezer container up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Toasted Coconut Marshmallows
- Puff Pastry Apple Rosettes
- Rhubarb and Strawberry Tart Recipe
- Chocolate Peanut Clusters
If you enjoyed this Apple Cinnamon Rolls or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
