Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon with the sweetness of apples. They are soft, fluffy, and topped with creamy frosting, making them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Making these rolls from scratch not only fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma but also gives you the satisfaction of enjoying a homemade delight.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for Apple Cinnamon Rolls is special because it blends the classic cinnamon roll with the fruity taste of apples. It’s a comforting dish that everyone loves, and it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy weekends at home. The combination of spices, sweet apples, and creamy frosting makes these rolls irresistible. Plus, they are fun to make and share with family and friends!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Creating your own Apple Cinnamon Rolls might sound difficult, but it’s easy if you follow a few simple steps. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- ½ cup water (114 grams, warm (105-110°F))
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (4 grams)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 grams, or 1 packet)
- 5 cups all-purpose flour (600 grams)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67 grams)
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (170 grams, room temperature, about 1½ sticks)
- 2 large eggs (100 grams, room temperature and lightly beaten)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- ¾ cup milk (170 grams, warm (105-110°F))
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (71 grams)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (9 grams)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 grams, room temperature, about ⅜ stick)
- 2 apples (400 grams, any variety, diced)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57 grams, room temperature, about ½ stick)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (113 grams, room temperature, about ½ brick)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (170 grams)
Directions
For the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, room temperature butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and warm milk. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
For the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the room temperature butter over the dough, then sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly.
- Top with diced apples.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut into even pieces (about 1-2 inches wide).
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Serve your warm Apple Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven, drizzled with the cream cheese frosting. These rolls are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, making for a lovely morning treat or dessert.
How to Store Apple Cinnamon Rolls
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. To enjoy them again, just warm them in the microwave briefly before serving.
Tips to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your water is at the right temperature (105-110°F) for the yeast to activate.
- Allow enough time for the dough to rise; this step is essential for soft rolls.
- Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought dough to save time.
Variation
You can change the filling by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch. Another variation is to add raisins or dried cranberries along with the apples for a different twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can try using pears or peaches instead of apples for different flavors.
2. How do I know when the dough is ready to bake?
The dough should be doubled in size and have a smooth and slightly tacky texture.
3. Can I freeze Apple Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Just shape them, freeze on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To bake, just let them thaw and rise before following the baking instructions.
Make these Apple Cinnamon Rolls today and enjoy a homemade treat that brings warmth to your kitchen!
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- ½ cup water, warm (105-110°F)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast or 1 packet
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature about 1½ sticks
- 2 large eggs, room temperature lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk, warm (105-110°F)
For the Filling
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 apples any variety, diced (about 400 grams)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature about ⅜ stick
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature about ½ stick
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature about ½ brick
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
For the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, room temperature butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and warm milk. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
For the Filling
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the room temperature butter over the dough, then sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly.
- Top with diced apples.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut into even pieces (about 1-2 inches wide).
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
