Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something about soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls that feels like the ultimate cozy indulgence. The combination of warm, spiced apples and soft, pillowy dough wrapped in swirls of cinnamon sugar is just irresistible, especially as the weather starts to cool down. Add a drizzle of sweet icing on top, and you’ve got yourself the perfect breakfast treat or mid-afternoon snack. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven with a steaming cup of coffee or nibbling on leftovers the next morning, these rolls are the kind of baked good that instantly brings comfort.

I first discovered the magic of apple cinnamon rolls during a fall baking day with my family. We had picked way too many apples at the orchard and were brainstorming all the ways we could use them up. Apple pie? Done. Apple crisp? Delicious but predictable. And then the idea hit me—why not combine two of my favorite things, cinnamon rolls and apple pie, into one glorious creation? It was love at first bite. The soft, fluffy dough paired with the gooey, caramelized apples and cinnamon sugar is simply unbeatable. Now, this recipe is a must-make in our household every fall, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Soft, fluffy dough: The dough is buttery and light, creating the perfect base for the sweet, spiced apple filling.
• Warm and cozy flavors: The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and cooked apples brings all the cozy fall vibes you could ask for.
• Make-ahead option: These rolls can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making them perfect for weekend breakfasts or special occasions.
• Perfect for sharing: Whether you’re making them for a family brunch, a holiday gathering, or just because, these apple cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Preparation Time and Servings:

Total Time: 2 hours (includes rise time)
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories per serving: 450
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 80g

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ½ cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, room temperature
• ½ tsp salt

For the filling:

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to help thicken the filling)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Dough: The base of these cinnamon rolls is a soft, slightly sweet dough that rises beautifully. Make sure to use whole milk for a richer dough, and don’t skip the warm milk step—it helps activate the yeast and ensures the dough is light and fluffy.
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal for the filling because they hold their shape when cooked and provide a nice balance of tartness to the sweet cinnamon sugar.
Cinnamon Sugar Filling: This filling is a blend of butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar, with the added bonus of fresh apples. The butter helps create a gooey texture while the cinnamon and brown sugar deliver that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Icing: A simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract ties everything together with a sweet finishing touch. If you prefer, you can add a little cream cheese to make a thicker, tangier frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.
2. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Once the yeast has activated, add it to the flour mixture along with the melted butter and the egg. Using a dough hook attachment on your mixer, or your hands, knead the dough until it comes together into a soft, slightly sticky ball. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the apple filling:

1. While the dough is rising, prepare the apple filling. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are soft and caramelized. If the mixture seems too watery, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour to help thicken it.
2. Remove the apple mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. You want it to be cool enough that it won’t melt the dough when you spread it on.

3. Assemble the rolls:

1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size.
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, followed by the cooled apple filling.
4. Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

4. Second rise and baking:

1. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for them to expand. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls rise. Once the rolls have puffed up, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. Be sure not to overbake them, as you want them to stay soft and gooey in the center.

5. Make the icing:

1. While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you prefer a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add a little more milk.

6. Serve:

1. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling the icing over the top. This will allow the icing to melt into the rolls while still keeping that lovely gooey texture inside.
2. Serve the rolls warm and enjoy the heavenly combination of soft, cinnamon-spiced dough and sweet, caramelized apples. Trust me, these will be hard to resist!

How to Serve:

• These rolls are perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or brunch. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• For an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream (yes, cinnamon rolls for dessert!).
• You can also pair these rolls with a fruit salad or yogurt parfait to add a fresh, lighter element to your meal.

Additional Tips:

• Make them ahead: To make these rolls the night before, assemble them as directed but don’t let them rise the second time. Instead, cover the rolls tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then proceed with baking.
• Proof your yeast: If your yeast doesn’t get frothy after mixing with the warm milk, it may be inactive or expired. Make sure to check the expiration date on your yeast, and try again with a fresh packet if necessary.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your rolls in the oven. Overbaking will make them dry, so pull them out as soon as they’re golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer your rolls less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or the icing. The apples will still provide plenty of natural sweetness.
• Freezing the dough: If you want to freeze the dough for later use, let it rise once, then punch it down and freeze it in an airtight bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the fridge, then proceed with rolling and baking.

Recipe Variations:

• Caramel apple rolls: Swap the brown sugar in the filling for caramel sauce to create a caramel apple cinnamon roll. Drizzle extra caramel over the top along with the icing for a super indulgent treat.
• Maple glaze: Instead of the vanilla icing, try making a maple glaze by substituting the vanilla extract in the icing with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
• Pecan topping: Add some crunch by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling before rolling up the dough. It adds a lovely texture and a nutty flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
• Cream cheese frosting: For a richer, tangier frosting, substitute half of the powdered sugar in the icing with cream cheese. This adds a slight tang and creaminess that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apple flavors.
• Pumpkin spice version: For a fall twist, replace the cinnamon in the filling with pumpkin pie spice and add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree to the dough.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side Dishes: Pair these rolls with a simple fruit salad or savory breakfast options like scrambled eggs and turkey sausage to balance out the sweetness.
• Drinks: A warm spiced chai latte or a pumpkin spice coffee would be perfect to sip alongside these apple cinnamon rolls for the ultimate fall breakfast.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring them back to their warm, soft state.
• Freezing: These rolls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the rolls at room temperature, then warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Special Equipment:

• Stand Mixer: If you have one, a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading the dough much easier, especially since this dough is on the softer side.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: This is the perfect size for a dozen rolls, allowing them to bake evenly and expand without sticking together too much.

FAQ:

1. Can I use different types of apples? Yes! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great, but you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or even a mix of apple varieties for more complexity in flavor.
2. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Be sure to use a brand with a 1:1 baking ratio for best results.
3. Can I skip the second rise? No, the second rise is crucial for ensuring the rolls are light and fluffy. Skipping it will result in denser rolls.
4. What if I don’t have whole milk? You can use any milk you have on hand, including non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. Just be aware that it may affect the richness of the dough slightly.
5. Can I add other fruits to the filling? Yes! Diced pears, raisins, or dried cranberries would be delicious additions to the apple filling for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to bring the warm, cozy flavors of fall into your kitchen. With tender, fluffy dough, caramelized apple filling, and a drizzle of sweet icing, these rolls are a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast or a weekend baking project, these rolls will become a family favorite in no time. I can’t wait for you to give them a try—don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media so I can see your delicious creations!

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