These warm apple cinnamon rolls are a sweet treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert! They are soft and gooey, filled with tender apple bits and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Yum!
I love how easy they are to make, especially when you smell that cinnamon wafting through the house. Top them with icing, and watch them disappear in minutes—it’s magic! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making the dough rise. If you don’t have that, you can use instant yeast, which works the same way but doesn’t need to be dissolved first.
Milk: Warm milk gives the dough a nice richness. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using almond milk or soy milk. Just make sure they are warmed to a similar temperature!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the dough. Brown sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar if you want a slight caramel flavor. It also enhances the moisture in the rolls.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which complements the sweetness. Any baking apple works well, like Fuji or Honeycrisp. If fresh apples aren’t handy, canned pie filling can be a quick alternative.
How Do You Ensure the Dough Rises Perfectly?
The dough rise is a key step to achieving soft rolls. First, make sure your yeast is fresh and activate it in warm milk. After mixing, knead until smooth, which helps develop the gluten for the dough’s structure.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area, covered with a towel. If your kitchen is cool, you can turn on your oven for 1 minute, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
- After the first rise, gently punch the dough down to release air before rolling it out; this creates better texture.
Delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (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 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Time Needed:
This scrumptious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, 1 to 1.5 hours of rising time, and then 25-30 minutes of baking. So, in total, you’re looking at around 2 hours to make these delightful rolls, but most of that time is just letting the dough rise!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s nice and foamy. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Once combined, add the foamy yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead and Rise:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
3. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the finely chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl. This will be your delicious filling!
4. Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, roughly 16×12 inches. Spread the apple cinnamon filling carefully over the rolled-out dough.
5. Shape the Rolls:
Start from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place these slices in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they’re puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake the Rolls:
Once they’ve risen, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Prepare the Icing:
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. This delicious icing will be drizzled on top once the rolls cool slightly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
After removing the rolls from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls, then serve and take in all those cozy, sweet aromas. Enjoy your gooey, cinnamon-apple goodness!
These apple cinnamon rolls are soft, fragrant, and sweet — a perfect start to any morning!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza or crescent dough. Just roll it out, add the filling, and follow the same steps for rolling and baking. Adjust the baking time according to the dough package instructions.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Freeze the Rolls Before Baking?
Yes, you can freeze the rolls before baking! After shaping them, place the slices in a greased baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, just adding a bit of extra time to ensure they cook through.
What Apples Work Best for This Recipe?
I recommend using firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. You can also experiment with softer varieties like Fuji, but be sure to adjust the sugar in the filling if they’re sweeter!
