These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Made with a soft, pillowy dough filled with a cinnamon sugar apple filling, and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. The combination of buttery dough, tender apples, and sweet frosting makes every bite irresistible.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Rising Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
- Total Time: 3.5 – 4 hours
Ingredients (1x Recipe)
Dough:
- 4 ½ cups (580 g) bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (70 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (40 g) honey
- 1 cup (250 ml) whole milk, warm
- 1 tablespoon (11 g) instant dry yeast
- Zest of 1 orange (optional but highly recommended)
Apple Filling:
- 4 Gala or Granny Smith apples, cut into small cubes (about 4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
Cinnamon Sugar:
- ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened for spreading
- ⅓ cup (60 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (60 g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (110 g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar, sifted
Other:
- Some melted butter, for brushing the rolls before baking
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a standing mixer bowl, combine bread flour, salt, honey, egg, melted butter, warm milk, and instant dry yeast. Knead with a dough hook on speed 2 for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover tightly with cling film and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Make the Apple Filling:
- While the dough rises, cook the diced apples with butter in a pan over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the apples soften but are not mushy. Set aside to cool completely before using.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon powder. Set aside.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 18×12-inch (45×30 cm) rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, followed by the cooled apple filling.
- Roll the dough tightly from the longer side into a log and cut it into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
- Second Rise:
- Arrange the rolls in a buttered 13×9-inch (33×23 cm) baking pan. Cover loosely with cling film and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃). Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and bake on the middle rack for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Keep chilled until ready to use.
- Frost and Serve:
- Once the rolls are baked, frost them with the cream cheese frosting while still warm, or let them cool completely before frosting. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Best enjoyed warm, either fresh out of the oven or reheated for a few seconds in the microwave.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect morning treat.
Cooking Tips
- Measuring Flour: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can make the rolls dense.
- Use a Kitchen Scale: For the most accurate results, especially with dry ingredients like flour and sugar.
- Warm Frosting: For a warm, gooey effect, frost the rolls straight out of the oven.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples: Add natural sweetness and provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Cinnamon: Has anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian
- Nut-Free: Check all ingredients for cross-contamination.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individual rolls tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm before enjoying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Fluffy: These rolls are perfectly soft with a delicate, buttery dough.
- Easy to Make: Though they require time for rising, the process is straightforward.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of tender apples, cinnamon, and sugar creates a comforting, sweet filling.
- Versatile Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet rolls.
Conclusion
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food—soft, buttery, and filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples. Topped with a creamy and tangy frosting, they are perfect for special occasions or just a cozy treat at home. Make these rolls once, and they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before assembling. - Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, any firm apple like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady works well. - Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand, but it will take about 15 minutes of kneading to achieve the right texture. - How do I store leftover rolls?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. Reheat before serving. - Can I use another type of frosting?
Yes, you can use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk if you prefer a lighter topping. - Why are my rolls not rising?
Check that your yeast is active. The milk should be warm, not hot, to activate the yeast. - Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. - Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
Yes, freeze the rolls after shaping but before the second rise. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. - Can I use dairy-free substitutes?
Yes, substitute the milk, butter, and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives. - Can I skip the frosting?
Yes, the rolls are still delicious without it, but the frosting adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.