Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Short Description

Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a warm, comforting treat featuring fluffy dough filled with spiced apples and a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl. Topped with a creamy glaze, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, pillowy texture with a delicious cinnamon-apple filling.
• Perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
• Great for make-ahead breakfasts or special occasions.
• Customizable with different glazes or nuts.
• Tastes like a bakery-style cinnamon roll but made at home.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• For the dough:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Active dry yeast
  • Warm milk
  • Sugar
  • Butter (melted)
  • Eggs
  • Salt
• For the filling:
  • Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Butter (softened)
  • Cornstarch
• For the glaze:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk or heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead for about 5 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. In a saucepan, cook apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until soft. Let cool.
5. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter over the surface.
6. Spread the apple mixture evenly, then roll the dough into a log and slice into rolls.
7. Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. While rolls cool slightly, whisk together glaze ingredients.
10. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1.5 hours
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Apple Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
• Caramel Apple Rolls: Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls instead of glaze.
• Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dough for a fall twist.
• Maple Glazed Rolls: Replace vanilla extract with maple syrup in the glaze.
• Cranberry Apple Rolls: Add dried cranberries to the apple filling for a tart contrast.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm before adding glaze.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, but homemade dough provides the best texture and flavor.

What apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples hold up well when baked.

How do I prevent the rolls from getting too dry?

Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes! Substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg.

How do I get evenly sized rolls?

Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the dough cleanly.

Can I add cream cheese to the glaze?

Yes! Mix in softened cream cheese for a richer frosting.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A quick microwave warm-up works, but for the best texture, use the oven.

Can I make these in a bread machine?

Yes! Use the dough setting, then roll, fill, and bake as directed.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.

Conclusion

Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful homemade treat filled with warm spiced apples and sweet cinnamon goodness. Perfect for any time of the year, these rolls are a must-try for any cinnamon roll lover!

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