Cozy Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Homemade Morning Bliss

Sweet aromas of apple cinnamon rolls waft through kitchens, promising comfort and warmth.

Soft dough spirals promise pure indulgence with every delicate bite.

Homemade pastries reveal secrets of comfort baking passed down through generations.

Rustic ingredients combine effortlessly, creating magical morning treats that dance between sweet and spicy.

Buttery layers promise delightful textures that melt softly on your tongue.

Weekend breakfasts transform into special moments when you pull these golden swirls from the oven.

Warm cinnamon and tender apple chunks guarantee a breakfast experience you won’t forget.

Storage Solutions for Fresh Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap each roll separately to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
• Warm in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain softness.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Warm in oven at 300F for 10-12 minutes to restore original texture and taste.

FAQs

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount, but skip the 5-minute activation step and mix it directly with dry ingredients.

• How do I know if my dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and when you gently press it with a finger, the indentation should slowly spring back but not completely disappear.

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking and let come to room temperature.

• What if my dough isn't rising?

Ensure your yeast is fresh, the liquid is warm (not hot), and the environment is draft-free and slightly warm for optimal yeast activation.

Why You’ll Adore Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Packed with warm, cozy apple and cinnamon flavors that bring autumn vibes right to your kitchen, these rolls capture the essence of comfort food with every delicious bite.
• Bake with Beginner's Luck: Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe guides you through each step with simple instructions, making it approachable even for those new to baking bread and pastries.
• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Star: Guaranteed to impress family and friends, these rolls transform an ordinary morning into a special occasion with their irresistible aroma and mouthwatering taste.
• Customize Your Delight: Flexible recipe allows for easy personalization by adding pecans, adjusting sweetness, or experimenting with different apple varieties to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Needed for the Best Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the yeast for a soft, tender dough.
• Butter: Contributes rich flavor and helps create a tender texture in the rolls.
• Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps feed the yeast during the rising process.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the dough.

• Apples: Provide a sweet and slightly tart fruity component to the rolls.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the apple filling.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a caramel-like sweetness and helps balance the apple flavor.
• Butter: Used to soften the apples and add richness to the filling.
• Pecans: Optional ingredient that adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Milk: Combine to create a sweet, smooth topping that adds extra sweetness to the rolls.

Baking Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Instructions for Success

Step 1: Awaken The Dough

Gently warm milk and butter until they mingle smoothly.

Sprinkle yeast into the warm liquid and let it bloom for 5 minutes.

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Add eggs and activated yeast mixture.

Knead the dough with loving hands for 8-10 minutes until it becomes silky and elastic.

Step 2: Allow Dough To Rest

Tenderly cover the dough and place it in a cozy, draft-free spot.

Let it rise and expand for 1-2 hours until it doubles in volume.

Step 3: Create Delectable Apple Filling

While dough transforms, sauté chopped apples in butter over medium heat.

Cook until apples soften and turn golden, about 5-7 minutes.

• Ground cinnamon
• Brown sugar

Allow filling to cool completely.

Step 4: Craft Rolling Magic

Deflate the risen dough and roll into a rectangular canvas.

Spread apple filling evenly across the surface.

Sprinkle chopped pecans if desired.

Roll tightly into a beautiful log.

Step 5: Slice And Bake Transformation

Cut the log into 12 equal portions.

Nestle rolls in a generously greased baking dish.

Let them rise for 30 minutes.

Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes until tops turn golden brown.

Step 6: Drizzle With Sweet Finale

Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.

Pour generously over warm rolls.

Serve immediately and watch faces light up with joy.

Tips for Soft, Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Roll Dough

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, creating perfect rise and soft texture.
• Cook apples until slightly dry to avoid soggy rolls, preventing excess liquid from making dough soggy.
• Develop gluten by kneading 8-10 minutes, creating tender and fluffy rolls with perfect consistency.
• Use a ruler to create even rectangle, ensuring uniform size and consistent baking for all rolls.
• Keep rolls covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and flavor.

Try These Flavor Variations for Cinnamon Rolls

• Pear Cinnamon Rolls: Replace apples with soft, caramelized pears for a subtle, delicate flavor and creamy texture that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing rice flour and xanthan gum, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy these sweet treats.
• Vegan Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Use almond milk, coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs to create a plant-based version that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the classic cinnamon roll taste and texture.

How to Present Apple Cinnamon Rolls Beautifully

• Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Serve as a stunning centerpiece for weekend brunches, surrounded by fresh fruit and yogurt.
• Dessert Twist: Transform these rolls into a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling with caramel sauce.
• Holiday Gift: Package cooled rolls in festive boxes as a heartwarming homemade gift for friends and family during special occasions.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, gooey Apple Cinnamon Rolls bring comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen to your table. Sweet apple-packed spirals drizzled with cream cheese glaze offer a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients for Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups whole milk (warmed)
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 medium apples (peeled and chopped)
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 0.25 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by warming milk and butter until butter melts completely. Mix in yeast and allow to bloom for 5 minutes at room temperature.
2. Create dough by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Incorporate eggs and activated yeast mixture. Knead thoroughly for 8-10 minutes until texture becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Allow dough to rest in a draft-free zone for 1-2 hours, ensuring it doubles in volume. Cover with a clean kitchen towel during rising process.
4. Prepare apple filling by sautéing chopped apples in butter over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened. Fold in cinnamon and brown sugar, then set aside to cool completely.
5. Deflate risen dough and roll into a rectangular shape on a floured surface. Distribute apple mixture evenly across dough’s surface. Sprinkle pecans if desired.
6. Tightly roll the dough from one long edge to create a compact log. Slice into 12 uniform sections using a sharp knife.
7. Arrange rolled sections in a greased baking dish, allowing space between each roll. Permit a second rise for 30 minutes at room temperature.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and center appears set.
9. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls immediately after removing from oven. Serve and enjoy freshly baked apple cinnamon rolls.

Notes

• Choose ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in the filling.
• Warm environments help yeast dough rise faster, so place the covered bowl near a preheated oven or warm spot in your kitchen.
• Toast pecans before adding to the filling to enhance their nutty flavor and create a delightful crunch in each bite.
• Prevent dry rolls by not overbaking; check at 20 minutes and remove when golden brown to maintain moisture.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 235 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg