Apple cinnamon rolls have been a cherished recipe in my household, especially during the fall season. I remember the first time I baked them; the aroma of cinnamon and apples wafted through the house, making everyone eagerly anticipate breakfast. These gooey treats are not just a meal; they evoke warmth and comfort. The combination of tender dough, spiced apple filling, and sweet cream cheese icing creates a delightful experience that you won’t want to miss. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Deliciously gooey and soft, perfect for a cozy morning.
- Filled with fresh apples and cinnamon, making each bite a burst of flavor.
- Great for family gatherings or holiday brunches.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Can be made ahead of time for busy mornings.
- You’ll impress everyone with your baking skills!
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Here’s everything you need for these delightful rolls:
- 1 cup Milk, warmed to 110°F – activates the yeast.
- 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast, or 1 packet – helps the dough rise.
- 2 Large eggs, room temperature – adds richness.
- 4 1/2 cups All-purpose flour – gives structure.
- 1 tsp Salt – enhances flavor.
- 1/4 cup White granulated sugar – sweetens the dough.
- 10 TBSP Unsalted butter, room temperature and cubed – makes the rolls tender.
- 2 1/2 Gala apples, diced into small cubes – adds flavor and moisture.
- 1/4 cup White granulated sugar – for the apple filling.
- 2 TBSP Water – helps cook the apples.
- 1 tsp Lemon juice – brightens the flavor of the apples.
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon – the star spice.
- 1/2 tsp Ground ginger – adds warmth.
- 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg – enhances the spice profile.
- 2 tsp Cornstarch – thickens the apple filling.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature – for the cinnamon filling.
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed – for sweetness and depth.
- 1 TBSP Ground cinnamon – for the filling.
- 4 oz Cream cheese, room temperature – for the icing.
- 4 TBSP Unsalted butter, browned – adds a nutty flavor to the icing.
- 1 cup Powdered sugar – for sweetness in the icing.
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract – enhances the icing flavor.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Step 1: Warm the milk to 110°F and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and set aside.
- Step 3: Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cubed butter, eggs, and milk/yeast mixture.
- Step 4: Use a stand mixer to knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a sprayed bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm oven for 1 hour.
- Step 5: For the apple pie filling, heat diced apples, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 6: For the cinnamon filling, beat butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Step 7: Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread the cinnamon filling, then apple filling on top.
- Step 8: Cut into 12 rolls and place in a sprayed 9×13 pan. Let rise for 20 minutes.
- Step 9: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 28-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 10: For the icing, melt the butter until amber. Beat with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Step 11: Pour icing over rolls once they cool slightly and top with extra apple pie filling.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These tricks guarantee success every time:
- Use fresh Gala apples for the best flavor.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for better results.
- Don’t skip the step of browning the butter; it adds a rich flavor.
What’s the secret to perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls?
The key is using room temperature ingredients and allowing the dough to rise adequately. This ensures a soft and fluffy texture.
Can I make Apple Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, refrigerate, and bake them fresh in the morning. Just let them come to room temperature before baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Cinnamon Rolls?
Be careful not to over-knead the dough; it should be soft and slightly sticky. Also, ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls are best served warm, drizzled with the cream cheese icing. Pair them with fresh coffee or a warm apple cider for a delightful breakfast experience.
Nutrition Facts for Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Per serving (recipe makes 12 servings):
- Calories: 490
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 239 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Cinnamon Rolls
To store, let the rolls cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Can I freeze apple cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of apples?
Pear filling or even mixed berries can be great substitutes. Just adjust the spices to match.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
How do I make the icing without cream cheese?
You can use powdered sugar mixed with milk and vanilla extract for a simple glaze instead.
Print
Apple Cinnamon Rolls: 12 Gooey Delights for Your Morning
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These apple cinnamon rolls are gooey and soft, filled with cinnamon and apple pie filling, topped with cream cheese brown butter icing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk, warmed to 110°F
- 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast, or 1 packet
- 2 Large eggs, room temperature
- 4 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 10 TBSP Unsalted butter, room temperature and cubed
- 2 1/2 Gala apples, diced into small cubes
- 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 2 TBSP Water
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp Cornstarch
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed
- 1 TBSP Ground cinnamon
- 4 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 TBSP Unsalted butter, browned
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm the milk to 110°F and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and set aside.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add cubed butter, eggs, and milk/yeast mixture.
- Use a stand mixer to knead the dough for 5 minutes. Place in a sprayed bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm oven for 1 hour.
- For the apple pie filling, heat diced apples, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cornstarch in a saucepan until thickened.
- For the cinnamon filling, beat butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread cinnamon filling, then apple filling on top.
- Cut into 12 rolls and place in a sprayed 9×13 pan. Let rise for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 28-30 minutes until golden brown.
- For the icing, melt the butter until amber. Beat with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Pour icing over rolls and top with extra apple pie filling.
Notes
- Use spooned and leveled flour to avoid dryness.
- Add 3 TBSP of flour for high altitude baking.
- Pull out dairy ingredients 2 hours before baking.
- For hand mixing, combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms; knead by hand for 5-8 minutes.
- You can skip browning the butter for the icing.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 239 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 67 mg
