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Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a gooey cinnamon-apple filling. Topped with a rich cream cheese glaze, they’re the perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the ultimate comfort treat!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • :
  • For the Dough:
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Apple Filling:
  • 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • For the Cinnamon Sugar Butter:
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)

Instructions

  • :
  • Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir until combined, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until soft and elastic. (Or knead in a stand mixer for 5 minutes.) Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  • Make the apple filling: In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 minutes until soft and syrupy. Let cool.
  • Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Evenly spread the cooked apples on top.
  • Roll and cut: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut into 12 even slices and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  • Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Make the glaze: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  • Glaze & serve: Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls and enjoy!

Notes

  • :
  • Make ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
  • For extra softness, cover the baked rolls with foil for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven.
  • Try a caramel twist by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top!

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~320
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg