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
Scale
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.
