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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer dough to a greased container, covering completely. Permit rising in a warm environment for approximately 90 minutes until volume doubles.
- Prepare filling by blending softened butter, brown sugar, aromatic spices, salt, and apple butter into a harmonious mixture.
- 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.
- Arrange rolls in a prepared baking dish. Drizzle room temperature cream between sections. Allow second proofing for roughly 60 minutes until rolls significantly expand.
- Heat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown coloration.
- 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.
- 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