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
Scale
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.
