Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Delightful homemade rolls combining cinnamon flavors with sweet apples, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
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.
Notes
Serve warm with cream cheese frosting. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave before serving.