Quick & Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Sweet mornings demand a special breakfast treat, and these apple cinnamon rolls capture pure comfort with their warm, gooey center.

Soft dough swirled with cinnamon apple filling promises pure delight in every bite.

Fragrant spices dance through the kitchen, creating an irresistible aroma that draws everyone to the table.

Baking these rolls feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of deliciousness.

Each golden-brown roll bursts with tender apple chunks and rich cinnamon notes that melt perfectly together.

Weekend brunch just got an upgrade with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Serve these fresh from the oven and watch smiles spread faster than the melting cream cheese glaze.

FAQs

• Why is apple cider reduction important in this recipe?

Apple cider reduction intensifies the apple flavor and adds depth to both the dough and frosting, creating a more complex and rich taste profile for the cinnamon rolls.

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the second rise stage, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. Just let them come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning.

• How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough is ready when it forms a smooth ball, springs back when pressed, and passes the windowpane test – a small piece stretched thin should be translucent without tearing.

Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls Soft And Cozy

• Whisk Through Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a cozy baking adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a warm, aromatic treat perfect for chilly mornings or relaxed weekend breakfasts.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping apple butter for other fruit spreads or adjusting spice levels, making these rolls a flexible canvas for personal culinary creativity.
• Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Impress family and friends with professional-looking rolls that taste like they came straight from a gourmet bakery, without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare rolls ahead of time by completing initial steps and refrigerating overnight, allowing for stress-free morning baking and fresh, delicious results.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls Ingredient Checklist Fast

Main Ingredients:

• Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the rolls.
• Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and contributes to soft, tender dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the dough.

Filling Ingredients:

• Brown Sugar, Apple Butter, Soft Butter: Create a sweet and rich filling with deep caramel and apple flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Add warm, aromatic spices that complement the apple filling.

Topping and Frosting:

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Softened Butter: Combine to make a smooth, creamy topping.
• Apple Cider Reduction: Adds a concentrated apple flavor to both the dough and frosting.

Additional Ingredients:

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle depth of flavor.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste of the rolls.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a soft, tender texture when baked.

Quick Guide For Apple Cinnamon Roll Success

Step 1: Craft Apple Cider Magic

Simmer apple cider in a saucepan over gentle heat.

Let it bubble and reduce, stirring occasionally, until the liquid transforms into a rich, concentrated syrup.

This process takes about 20-30 minutes.

Transfer the liquid to a measuring cup and allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Awaken the Dough

Combine warm milk with yeast and a touch of sugar.

Watch it bloom and become foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, blend flour, warm spices, salt, and a sprinkle of sugar.

Introduce eggs, butter, and vanilla to the mix.

Pour in the yeast mixture and a splash of cider reduction.

Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, bouncing back when gently pressed.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a soft cloth.

Find a cozy, warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rest and expand for 1-1½ hours.

Watch it nearly double in size.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Soft butter
• Brown sugar
• Warm spices
• Pinch of salt
• Smooth apple butter

Blend these ingredients until they become a harmonious, fragrant mixture.

Step 5: Shape Heavenly Rolls

Grease a baking dish.

Gently deflate the risen dough and roll it into a generous rectangle.

Spread the filling evenly across the surface.

Roll the dough tightly into a beautiful log, using floss or a sharp knife to slice into 12 perfect rolls.

Step 6: Second Rise

Nestle the rolls in the prepared baking dish.

Pour room temperature cream between the rolls.

Cover and let them rise again for about an hour, watching them plump up beautifully.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Bake the rolls until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 8: Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese

Gradually sift in powdered sugar.

Add a splash of apple cider reduction, mixing until smooth and luxurious.

Step 9: Final Touch of Deliciousness

Allow the rolls to cool slightly.

Generously spread the cream cheese frosting while they’re still warm.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Tips For The Best Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to activate yeast without killing it, creating a perfect rise for soft, fluffy rolls.
• Dust work surface lightly with flour and use a bench scraper to handle delicate dough without adding excess flour.
• Use unflavored dental floss for clean, even roll cuts that maintain the spiral shape and prevent squishing the dough.
• Let apple cider reduction cool completely to prevent affecting dough temperature and ensure consistent texture.
• Sift powdered sugar gradually to eliminate lumps and create a silky, spreadable cream cheese topping.

New Apple Cinnamon Roll Styles To Try

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour, ensuring the same soft texture while catering to gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Version: Swap dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added texture and nutty flavor, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness and enjoyment.

How To Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls Warm

• Breakfast Bliss: Pair these warm apple cinnamon rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
• Morning Feast Companion: Serve alongside crispy bacon or scrambled eggs to create a hearty breakfast spread that will satisfy everyone at the table.
• Sweet Dessert Twist: Transform these rolls into a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent experience.
• Gathering Centerpiece: Present the rolls on a beautiful wooden board for a rustic, inviting presentation that will wow guests at brunch or family gatherings.

Storing Apple Cinnamon Rolls For Morning Treats

• Store leftover apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain fresh and moist.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months for a quick and delicious treat anytime.
• Warm refrigerated rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, gooey texture.
• Keep rolls at room temperature for up to 2 days, covering them loosely with plastic wrap to maintain their soft consistency.

Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, gooey apple cinnamon rolls bring comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, weaving sweet nostalgia through each delectable bite. Perfectly spiced dough and caramelized apple filling promise pure breakfast bliss you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4.34 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups fresh apple cider

Filling and Spice Ingredients:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup very soft unsalted butter (for filling)
• 1/2 cup very soft unsalted butter (for dough)
• 2.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/3 cup apple butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Frosting Ingredients:

• 2.14 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (for blooming yeast)
• 6 tablespoons very soft unsalted butter
• 6 ounces cold cream cheese
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup apple cider reduction
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Craft a rich apple cider reduction by gently simmering the liquid over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes until volume reduces by half, stirring periodically. Allow complete cooling before utilizing.
2. Activate yeast by combining it with warm milk and a touch of sugar, allowing 10 minutes for foaming. In a mixer, blend dry ingredients including flour, spices, and salt. Incorporate eggs, butter, vanilla, and the prepared yeast mixture with cider reduction. Knead thoroughly until dough becomes elastic and responsive.
3. Transfer dough to a greased container, covering completely. Permit rising in a warm environment for approximately 90 minutes until volume doubles.
4. Prepare filling by blending softened butter, brown sugar, aromatic spices, salt, and apple butter into a harmonious mixture.
5. Roll developed dough into an expansive rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick. Distribute filling evenly across surface. Tightly roll from nearest edge, creating a compact log. Slice into 12 uniform segments using dental floss or sharp knife.
6. Arrange rolls in a prepared baking dish. Drizzle room temperature cream between sections. Allow second proofing for roughly 60 minutes until rolls significantly expand.
7. Heat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown coloration.
8. Whip butter until fluffy, then integrate cream cheese. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar while maintaining low mixer speed. Blend in apple cider reduction until achieving smooth consistency.
9. Allow rolls minimal cooling time. Generously spread cream cheese frosting while maintaining warmth. Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Simmer apple cider slowly to concentrate flavors and create a rich, intense base for both filling and frosting.
• Allow extra rising time in cooler kitchens, ensuring the dough becomes light and airy for softer rolls.
• Substitute part whole wheat flour for added nutrition without compromising texture, using a 50/50 blend for best results.
• Replace milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a plant-based version of these rolls.

• Prep Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg