These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are fluffy and warm, filled with sweet apple pieces and cozy cinnamon. They make for a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack!
Yum! The smell of these rolls baking is almost enough to make you dance around the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to share them—with your family or keep them all to yourself! 😉
Honestly, I love how simple they are to make. Just roll, fill, and bake! Serve them warm with a drizzle of icing, and you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Whole milk gives a rich texture to the dough. If you need a dairy-free option, try almond milk or oat milk! Just ensure it’s warmed up to activate the yeast effectively.
Active Dry Yeast: This is key for fluffy rolls. If you have instant yeast, you can substitute it directly without proofing. Just add it to your dry ingredients for simpler prep.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Both sugars add sweetness. I like using a mix of both for flavor depth. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar alternative suitable for baking.
All-Purpose Flour: This is a must for the structure. If you’re gluten-free, blend a gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum to mimic the texture.
Apples: I recommend Fuji or Honeycrisp for their sweetness and firmness. If you can’t find them, Granny Smith offers a great tart contrast, or use whatever apples you have on hand!
How Do I Make the Dough Raise Perfectly?
Getting the dough to rise is super important for fluffy cinnamon rolls. Here’s how to ensure great results:
- Always use warm (not hot!) liquid for activating yeast—think baby bottle warm.
- Let the dough rise in a warm space, like an unheated oven with the light on, or leave it in a sunny spot.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out while it rises.
- Don’t rush the rise; allow it to double which usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on temperature.
Taking these steps will ensure your rolls come out soft and fluffy! Happy baking!
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted + extra for greasing
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 2 large apples (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Glaze/Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours in total. You’ll spend about 20-30 minutes preparing the dough and filling, followed by 1.5 to 2 hours of rising time, and finally around 30 minutes for baking and cooling. The delicious reward is definitely worth the wait!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active!
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and salt. Once mixed, add in the foamy yeast mixture from the previous step.
3. Create the Dough:
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough starts to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-7 minutes if you prefer!
4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a well-greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and softened butter in a separate bowl. Set this aside so the flavors can blend.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (approximately 16 x 12 inches).
7. Add the Filling:
Spread the apple-cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them over the filling now.
8. Form the Rolls:
Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam closed to seal it.
9. Slice the Rolls:
Cut the roll into 12 equal slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. You can use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for a clean cut!
10. Second Rise:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a round cake pan and place the rolls cut-side up in the dish, spacing them snugly but not overcrowding. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they are puffy.
11. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
12. Prepare the Glaze:
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
13. Glaze the Rolls:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Then drizzle the icing over the warm rolls for that perfect sweet finish.
14. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your delicious apple cinnamon rolls warm! They are perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon treat.
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These rolls will be soft, fragrant, and filled with delicious apple and cinnamon goodness. Be prepared to indulge in a warm treat that everyone will love!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Fuji and Honeycrisp are great choices for sweetness and texture, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart contrast or any type of apples you have on hand. Just ensure they hold up well when baked!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! After kneading, place it in a greased bowl and cover it tightly. You can refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before rolling it out the next day.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven!
Can I Make These Rolls Vegan?
Yes! To make vegan apple cinnamon rolls, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) instead of eggs. The texture and flavor will still be delicious!
