If you’ve been dreaming of that perfect swirl of soft, fragrant dough filled with warm, spiced apples and topped with luscious icing, then this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine sinking your teeth into rolls that are tender, gooey, and bursting with the cozy flavors of cinnamon and baked apples—a treat that transforms an ordinary morning or afternoon into something undeniably special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a cherished classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays an essential role. From the active dry yeast that gives the dough its perfect rise, to the mix of warm milk and melted butter that create a tender crumb, and the fragrant spices that perfectly complement the sweet apples—every component works together like a dream to make these rolls utterly irresistible.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp): This magical ingredient helps your dough rise to soft, fluffy perfection.
- Warm water (1/4 cup at 110°F/45°C): Activates the yeast gently for a perfect rise.
- Warm milk (1/2 cup at 110°F/45°C): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp softened): Butter gives softness to the dough and richness to the filling.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds tenderness.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): Forms the sturdy but soft base of your dough.
- Medium apples, peeled and diced (3): The star of the filling, providing natural sweetness and a delightful texture.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a warm, caramelized sweetness to the apple filling.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): Brings that signature spicy warmth everyone loves in cinnamon rolls.
- Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle nutty aroma to balance the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For making the irresistible glaze that crowns each roll.
- Milk (2 tbsp): Loosens the glaze to a smooth drizzle.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Elevates the glaze with a hint of sweet depth.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by waking up the yeast with warm water, letting it sit until it’s foamy—about 5 to 10 minutes. This step is key to ensure your dough will rise beautifully. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, and the egg, mixing them all together for that rich, silky base. Slowly stir in the yeast mixture, then gently add your flour bit by bit until you have a soft dough forming. This dough is the heart of your rolls, so treat it gently as you mix.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic—this is what will give your rolls their tender, fluffy texture. Once kneaded, place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rest and rise for about an hour. It should nearly double in size, growing soft and airy with promise.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, get started on the fragrant filling. Cook the diced apples with light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture is thick and luscious. Let this cool completely before the assembly step—this will prevent your dough from getting soggy while maintaining all that incredible flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Once your dough has doubled, roll it out gently on a floured surface into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough, and then sprinkle the cooled apple filling generously across the top. Roll the dough tightly from the longer edge to create the lovely swirls that make cinnamon rolls so delightful. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices, each packed with that apple-cinnamon goodness.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
Arrange your slices snugly in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish, cover them, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise allows the rolls to puff up even more, giving you that soft texture and height that make every bite heavenly. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they achieve that gorgeous golden brown color.
Step 6: Make the Glaze and Finish
While your rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. As soon as the rolls come straight out of the oven and are still warm, drizzle this luscious glaze all over, letting it melt into every nook and cranny, creating that iconic gooey finish nobody can resist.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fun and fresh touch, sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for a delightful crunch. You could also lightly dust with extra cinnamon or even place a few thin apple slices on top for a charming presentation that hints at the filling inside.
Side Dishes
These rolls are a treat on their own but paired with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk, they shine even brighter. For brunch, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness and add variety to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls warm, arranged on a rustic wooden board or in a pretty ceramic dish to really wow your guests. Wrap individual rolls in parchment paper tied with twine for a cute grab-and-go breakfast gift. You could even stack a few with a small pot of jam or butter nearby, turning your Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe into the centerpiece of a cozy gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store any leftover rolls tightly covered in an airtight container or wrapped with plastic wrap to keep them soft and moist. They should keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days—after that, refrigeration is best to preserve freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked rolls by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep nicely for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently before serving—still just as delicious!
Reheating
Reheat rolls in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds to bring back their soft, gooey texture. For a slightly crispier exterior, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t forget to add a fresh drizzle of glaze if desired—warm cinnamon rolls deserve nothing less.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with apples like Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just make sure to peel and dice them finely so they cook down evenly in the filling.
Is it possible to make the dough without eggs?
Yes, you can make egg-free dough by replacing the egg with a flax egg or an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. This will slightly change the texture but still yield delicious rolls.
Can I prepare these rolls the night before baking?
Definitely! After assembling and slicing the rolls, place them covered in the fridge overnight to slow the rise. Bake them fresh in the morning, adding a bit of extra baking time if needed.
What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from being soggy?
Make sure the apple filling is fully cooled before spreading it on the dough, and avoid over-saturating the filling. Using a thickened, slightly cooked filling helps keep the dough from getting soggy during baking.
Can the glaze be made dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular milk with almond, soy, or oat milk to make the glaze dairy-free without sacrificing that sweet, smooth finish.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, fragrant hug. The combination of soft dough, spiced apples, and creamy glaze makes it an unforgettable experience every time. So go ahead, invite a few friends or family members over, and share a batch—you’ll be making memories (and bellies) very happy indeed.
Print
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
Description
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, filled with a sweet and spiced apple filling and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfectly soft, fluffy, and warm, they make a wonderful breakfast or dessert treat that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples.
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 the active dry yeast and warm water (110°F/45°C). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the warm milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and one large egg until well combined.
- Combine Dough: Add the foamy yeast mixture into the wet ingredients gradually, then mix in the all-purpose flour slowly until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, cook the diced apples with light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the apples are softened and the sugar has melted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
- Roll Out Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle, ensuring even thickness.
- Spread Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled dough, then sprinkle the cooled apple mixture evenly on top.
- Form 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 to form individual rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the water and milk used to activate the yeast are warm but not hot, as temperatures above 120°F (49°C) can kill the yeast.
- Allow the apple filling to cool completely before spreading on the dough to prevent it from making the dough soggy.
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter for both the dough and filling.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and reheated before serving.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture and flavor.
