These fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a treat that brings warmth to your kitchen! With sweet apples and a dash of cinnamon, they smell and taste just like fall.
Honestly, who can resist warm rolls fresh out of the oven? I love sprinkling extra icing on top because, let’s be real, a little more sweetness never hurt anyone! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for making your rolls fluffy. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. Just add it right to your dry ingredients without proofing!
Milk: I find that whole milk gives the dough a rich flavor. But if you need a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk works well too. Just make sure they’re warm before adding the yeast!
Apples: For the filling, Granny Smith apples add a lovely tartness. However, you can substitute with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. If it’s apple season, fresh apples are a must!
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and depth. If you’re out, you can use granulated sugar, but your filling won’t be as rich. For a healthier twist, try coconut sugar.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Dough Consistency?
Getting the dough just right is key for those soft rolls. Here’s how to master it:
- Make sure your milk is warm – too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it.
- After adding flour, mix until a sticky dough forms. Avoid adding too much flour at this stage.
- Kneading is essential! Knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If you touch it, it should spring back.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
With these tips and a little patience, you’ll have the perfect dough to work with for your cinnamon rolls! Enjoy such a delicious treat that fills your kitchen with delightful scents!
How to Make Delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
For the filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 to 2.5 hours total, including a 1 to 1.5 hour rising time for the dough and another 30-45 minutes for the second rise. The hands-on time is around 30 minutes. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you bite into those warm, gooey rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Once those are mixed, add the yeast mixture and stir well to combine everything.
3. Add the Flour:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry, it will come together nicely!
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. No need to rush—this step helps develop the gluten, making your rolls fluffy! Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the chopped apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. This sweet mixture will be the star of your rolls!
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle of about 16×12 inches. Make sure it’s not too thick!
7. Add the Butter and Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly across the rolled-out dough. Then, sprinkle the apple-cinnamon mixture on top. Make sure it’s evenly distributed for maximum flavor!
8. Roll It Up:
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. It’s okay if some filling spills out—it happens!
9. Slice the Rolls:
Cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place these slices, cut side up, in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for them to rise.
10. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled in size.
11. Bake the Rolls:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
12. Make the Glaze:
As the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until it forms a smooth glaze.
13. Glaze and Serve:
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Drizzle the warm glaze over the rolls, allowing it to soak in. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy, sweet flavors!
There you have it—delicious, soft Apple Cinnamon Rolls that are perfect for breakfast (or any time of day)! Enjoy every gooey, sweet bite!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but consider using a blend of both to maintain a lighter texture. Whole wheat can make the rolls denser, so you might want to use about half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best results.
What Kind of Apples Are Best for This Recipe?
Granny Smith apples are a great choice due to their tartness that balances the sweetness. However, you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. Just make sure to peel and chop them finely!
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise once, then punch it down and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, follow the second rise steps right before shaping and baking the rolls. They’ll be just as delicious!
