If you have a soft spot for classic cinnamon rolls but are craving something a little more special and fruity, this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is absolutely the answer. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls loaded with warm, spiced apple filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. These rolls combine the cozy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the natural sweetness and texture of fresh apples, making for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want to impress your taste buds. The discovery of this recipe felt like finding a little slice of homemade heaven that’s sure to brighten up your kitchen and your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe plays a key role in building that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the golden dough to the comforting spice blend, these simple kitchen staples come together beautifully to create a magical bake.
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast: This helps the dough rise, making your rolls wonderfully fluffy and light.
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C): The perfect temperature to activate the yeast for a good rise.
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C): Adds richness and softness to the dough.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings moisture and tenderness to the rolls.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds a lovely structure.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that forms the soft, elastic dough.
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced: Fresh fruit brings juiciness and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor to the apple filling.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that fills the rolls with warmth.
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg: Gives a subtle, fragrant kick that complements cinnamon perfectly.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Creates the luscious apple spread inside the rolls.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For a sweet, smooth glaze that ties it all together.
- 2 tbsp milk: Thins the glaze for easy drizzling over the rolls.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aroma and enhances the glaze’s flavor.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm water that’s just right—not too hot or cold—to wake up those tiny yeast cells. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it turns foamy. This foaming shows your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough’s rise.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
Next, in a large bowl, blend your warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. Once combined, add the fluffy yeast mixture. Gradually add in the flour while stirring until a soft dough begins to form, sticky but manageable.
Step 3: Knead and Rise
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. This step develops the dough’s gluten, making it smooth and elastic—perfect for soft rolls that aren’t dense. Once your dough feels springy and silky, pop it into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise until it doubles in size, about one hour.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling
While your dough is rising, it’s time to cook the apples. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the sugar has melted into a fragrant glaze. Let this cool completely so you don’t melt the butter in the next step.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle—the perfect canvas for your apple cinnamon masterpiece. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cooled apple mixture on top. Roll the dough tightly starting from the longer edge, forming a neat log. Cut this log into twelve even slices to ensure perfect-sized rolls.
Step 6: Final Rise and Bake
Place your rolls into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes—this adds even more fluffiness. When ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 7: Drizzle the Glaze
While your rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a silky glaze. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, generously drizzle this glaze over the top, allowing it to seep into every crevice and add that classic sweet finishing touch.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or a few finely chopped toasted pecans on the glazed rolls before serving. This not only makes them look stunning but adds a delightful crunch and spice that complements the soft, gooey apples.
Side Dishes
Apple Cinnamon Rolls are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a mug of warm chai tea elevates the experience. For a brunch spread, consider fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to balance the indulgence with some brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve these rolls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra glaze and butter alongside. You could even arrange them in individual ramekins for single servings or sprinkle a handful of fresh apple slices on the side to echo the star ingredient.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Apple Cinnamon Rolls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls maintain their soft texture and flavor, making for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these delicious rolls later, freeze them before the final bake. Arrange the sliced rolls on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months and bake straight from the freezer with a bit of extra time.
Reheating
To warm up your rolls, gently microwave individual portions for about 20 to 30 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Adding a small bit of butter or extra glaze right before serving makes them taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully to balance the sweetness, sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp can also be delicious and give the filling a different flavor dimension.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe vegan by substituting the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, using a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and replacing butter with a vegan butter spread.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
After the rising time, the dough should be about double in size, light, and slightly puffy. You can gently press it with a finger—if the indentation springs back slowly, it’s ready for the next step.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the apple filling can add wonderful texture and flavor. Just toss them in with the cooked apple mixture before spreading on the dough.
What’s the best way to keep the rolls moist?
Covering the baking dish while the rolls rise and baking just until golden brown helps maintain moisture. Also, the delicious glaze adds a lovely layer of sweetness and moisture after baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyful about a warm, freshly baked cinnamon roll, and this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe takes it to the next level with its fruity, spiced twist. I can’t recommend enough giving these a try, whether for a special weekend breakfast or to delight family and friends with a homemade treat. Once you taste that soft dough, tender apples, and sweet glaze combined, you’ll understand why this recipe quickly becomes a household favorite. So grab those ingredients and prepare to fill your kitchen with an aroma that’s pure happiness in the making!
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Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in warm, soft Apple Cinnamon Rolls featuring a tender yeast dough filled with spiced apples and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert, these rolls combine classic cinnamon flavors with fresh fruit in a comforting baked treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Filling Ingredients
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine active dry yeast and warm water. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients, then gradually stir in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic in texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the diced apples with light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is softened and fragrant. Set aside to cool completely.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then evenly sprinkle the cooled apple filling on top.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Second Rise: Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes until puffed.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown on top.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking or cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the warm apple cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the water and milk are warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- For best results, use tart apples such as Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
- The filling must be completely cooled before spreading on the dough to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- You can substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative to make the glaze vegan-friendly.
