If you are looking to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm spices and fresh apples, this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls swirled with a sweet and spiced apple filling, topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect blend of comforting flavors and cozy textures that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you’re planning a festive brunch or a comforting weekend treat, these rolls are guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial to creating the perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough and flavorful apple filling. Each one plays a special role, from the richness of the butter to the zing of cinnamon, to give these rolls their signature taste and aroma.
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for tender, pillowy rolls.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast: Makes the dough rise beautifully and light.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
- ¾ cup whole milk (warm): Keeps the dough soft and adds richness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds moisture and buttery flavor to the dough.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to a tender crumb.
- 2 cups peeled, finely diced apples: The star of the filling, bringing fresh, crisp bites in every roll.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Imparts a deep caramel sweetness to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Infuses classic warming spice into the rolls.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a hint of complementary spice and depth.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Creates a luscious layer to hold the filling in place.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the irresistible glaze that finishes the rolls perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Used to mix with powdered sugar for a smooth glaze.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds sweetness and aromatic complexity to the glaze.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy and alive with activity—that’s your yeast working its magic! Then add melted butter, eggs, and salt before gradually mixing in the flour. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes. Set it covered in a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour. This step is crucial because a well-risen dough makes the rolls incredibly light and soft.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together the finely diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This mixture will add bursts of sweet, spicy apple flavor throughout your rolls, giving them that special homemade touch you’ll love.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Add Filling
Once risen, roll your dough out onto a lightly floured surface into a 10×16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough—this buttery layer keeps the apple filling moist and helps rolls stick together. Then sprinkle the apple mixture evenly on top, making sure each bite has plenty of that spicy-sweet apple goodness.
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Starting at the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut this log into 12 equal pieces, each packed with swirls of apple and cinnamon. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish in neat rows. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes, allowing them to puff up and get ready for baking.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until beautifully golden brown. While they bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. Once the rolls come out warm, drizzle the glaze over the top to add a sweet finishing touch that literally melts over the rolls.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra flourish, sprinkle a little chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze for delightful crunch and nutty flavor. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices can also make your presentation extra charming, making these rolls as pretty as they are delicious.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or creamy hot chocolate to warm you up. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or savory scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness with a savory bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, place these rolls in a rustic bread basket lined with a colorful tea towel. You could also arrange them on a beautiful wooden board with fresh fruit or use a decorative plate to showcase their swirl pattern. These little details make sharing this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover rolls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. They are just as delightful when enjoyed slightly warmed the next day, making breakfast or a snack super easy.
Freezing
To enjoy later, freeze the unbaked rolls after the first rise but before the second rise. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and let them rise again before baking fresh and warm treats anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat leftover rolls wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 20-30 seconds restores their soft, gooey texture in no time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties. Just keep in mind that softer apples might release more juice while baking.
Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown exterior and a slightly firm yet soft texture when pressed gently on top. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach around 190°F.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can elevate the texture and flavor, giving your Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe a delightful nutty crunch or fruity chew.
What’s the best way to get soft, fluffy rolls?
Be patient with the rising times and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Using warm milk and properly activating the yeast also helps the rolls puff up beautifully in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey apple cinnamon roll fresh from the oven. This Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe captures all the cozy flavors of fall and comfort baking, wrapped up in one delicious treat. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, I can’t recommend these enough—give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls combine soft, fluffy dough with a sweet and spiced apple filling, perfect for a cozy breakfast or a comforting dessert. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze, they offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to please.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk (warm)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the peeled and diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Roll Out Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 10 by 16-inch rectangle.
- Assemble Rolls: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Distribute the apple filling mixture evenly on top of the buttered dough.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top and serve.
Notes
- These rolls can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast.
- For extra texture, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling or sprinkled on top before baking.
