These Soft Apple Cinnamon Rolls are buttery, flaky, and filled with warm spiced apples. The dough is made with yogurt or sour cream, giving it a tender and light texture. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, these rolls will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 16 rolls
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Apples – 3 medium (peeled and grated)
- Sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
- Butter – 1 tablespoon
For the Dough:
- Flour – 270-280g (about 2¼ cups)
- Baking powder – ½ teaspoon
- Butter – 100g (7 tablespoons, cold)
- Yogurt (or sour cream) – 200g (¾ cup)
- Egg – 1 large
- Sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – a pinch
For Finishing:
- Powdered sugar – for sprinkling
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel and grate the apples.
- In a pan, melt the butter, then add the grated apples, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the liquid evaporates.
- Set the mixture aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt (or sour cream), egg, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
- Roll out each portion into a thin layer (about ¼ inch thick) on a floured surface.
- Cut each rolled-out piece into 8 triangular segments (like pizza slices).
- Place a small spoonful of apple filling at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll the dough from the wide end to the narrow tip, forming crescent-shaped rolls.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the rolls seam-side down to prevent unrolling.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown and are fully cooked.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Let the rolls cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Enjoy these buttery, soft apple cinnamon rolls with your favorite cup of tea or coffee!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce.
- Pair with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Enjoy with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Cooking Tips
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best flavor balance between sweet and tart.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes before rolling to make handling easier.
- Don’t overfill the rolls to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) into the filling for extra crunch.
- For an extra crispy crust, brush the tops with melted butter before baking.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C.
- Yogurt adds protein and calcium for a healthier dough.
- Cinnamon contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian
- Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based butter and yogurt
- Low in refined sugar
Nutritional Facts (Per Roll)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
Storage & Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked rolls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, buttery, and filled with sweet cinnamon apples.
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Naturally sweet and lightly spiced, making them irresistible!
Conclusion
These Soft Apple Cinnamon Rolls are simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. The tender dough, warm apple filling, and light dusting of powdered sugar create a comforting treat that will quickly become a family favorite. Make a batch today and enjoy these delightful homemade pastries!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the texture will be denser. Mix half whole wheat with all-purpose for best results.
- How do I make them dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and yogurt for a dairy-free version.
- Can I add nuts to the filling? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.
- How do I keep them soft? Store them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Can I use store-bought dough? Yes, but homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture.
- What’s the best way to reheat them? Warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
- Can I use a different fruit? Yes! Try pears, peaches, or berries instead of apples.
- Can I make a glaze instead of powdered sugar? Yes, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a simple glaze.
- Are these rolls freezer-friendly? Yes! Freeze them baked or unbaked for up to 2 months.