These apple cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and packed with yummy flavors. They’re filled with juicy apples and sprinkled with cinnamon, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert!
Who can resist warm rolls fresh from the oven? The smell alone will make your whole house feel cozy. I love having them with a nice cup of coffee—it’s like a hug in every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient is crucial for making your rolls fluffy. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead—just sprinkle it directly into your dry ingredients. You will need slightly less, about 2 teaspoons.
Apples: Granny Smith apples work well for their tartness. However, you can substitute them with Honeycrisp or any firm variety that holds up well when baked. Avoid soft apples like McIntosh as they become mushy.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling the salt in your dough and filling. You could swap it for a dairy-free butter or coconut oil if you’re looking for a milk-free option.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar gives a deep flavor. If you’re out, substitute with granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (one tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar) for a similar taste.
How Do You Get That Perfect Dough?
Getting your dough right is key for soft, fluffy rolls. Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure your milk is warm but not too hot, around 110°F helps activate the yeast without killing it.
- When kneading, look for a smooth texture. If it’s sticky, add a pinch of flour, but don’t overdo it!
- Give the dough plenty of time to rise. If your kitchen is cool, it may take longer, but it needs to double in size for the best results.
With these tips, you’ll have beautiful, soft apple cinnamon rolls ready to enjoy warm from the oven! Don’t forget to share them or you might eat them all yourself!
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (such as Granny Smith or Gala)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 to 2.5 hours total. You’ll spend about 20 minutes on preparation and assembly and let the dough rise for 1.5 hours. After that, it’s about 30 minutes of baking time. The delicious reward will be worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by mixing the active dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it’s frothy, which means the yeast is alive! Next, whisk in the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg until everything is well combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until you have a soft dough. Knead this dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Then, place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it’s about double in size, which should take 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. Make the Filling:
While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl to create a tasty filling. If you like, toss the diced apples with a bit of cinnamon or lemon juice, which adds flavor and helps keep them fresh.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16″x12″). Spread softened butter over the entire surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly across the butter. Top it off by distributing the diced apples and any nuts you’re using. Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Cut this log into 8 equal slices.
4. Bake the Rolls:
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, giving them a bit of space. Cover and let them rise again for another 30–45 minutes until they’re puffy. During this time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When they’re ready, bake for 25–30 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
5. Prepare the Icing:
While the rolls are baking, whisk the powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk or cream to achieve a drizzling consistency for your icing.
6. Serve:
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls. Serve them up warm, and enjoy every gooey, sweet bite!
This recipe yields soft, gooey apple cinnamon rolls infused with cinnamon spice and tender apple pieces, perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert treat!
Can I Make the Dough the Night Before?
Absolutely! If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, you can make it and let it rise for the first time, then punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and assembling the rolls.
What Can I Substitute for Apples?
If you don’t have apples on hand, you can use pears for a similar fruity flavor, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Just keep in mind that dried fruits may require a little extra moisture, so consider adding a touch more butter or a splash of milk to the filling.
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
To keep leftover rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but they may dry out a bit. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2 months.
Can I Add Cream Cheese to the Icing?
Yes! For a richer flavor, you can mix in cream cheese for the icing. Just use about 4 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the powdered sugar and milk to create a thicker, tangy icing that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the rolls.
