These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are soft, sweet, and filled with warm spices and juicy apples. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat!
When I make these, my kitchen smells like a bakery! 🍏🍩 I love to drizzle a bit of icing on top for that extra sweetness. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Warm Milk: This helps activate the yeast. If you’re lactose intolerant, almond or oat milk work great as substitutes. Just make sure they are warm, too!
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for the dough’s rise. If you can only find instant yeast, you can use it directly without proofing. Just add it to the flour mix.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but you can also try Honeycrisp or any firm apple. If fresh apples aren’t available, canned or even dried apples can work in a pinch.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich sweetness. You can substitute it with coconut sugar for a lighter flavor. White sugar is fine too, though it lacks that deep flavor.
Pecans or Walnuts: Adding nuts gives a nice crunch. If anyone has a nut allergy, feel free to leave them out or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
How Do You Ensure Your Dough is Perfectly Soft?
The texture of the dough is crucial for soft, fluffy rolls. Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- **Warm Milk:** Make sure it’s warm but not hot. You should be able to touch it comfortably.
- **Knead Well:** Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes. A soft, elastic dough will form as you work. It’s okay if it’s a bit sticky, just add flour gradually.
- **Right Rising Time:** Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles. This can take 1 to 1.5 hours, so be patient!
Getting these steps right ensures you have a lovely, soft dough that wraps around your delicious filling!
Delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or tart apples), peeled and finely diced
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation, plus 1.5 hours for the dough to rise, and around 30 minutes for baking. Total, you’ll need about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast, letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Once mixed, add the yeast mixture and combine well.
2. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Place the dough on a slightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
3. Make the Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), softened butter, and nuts (if desired) until everything is well-coated.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (approximately 16×12 inches). Spread the apple filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Shape the Rolls:
Beginning from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal the roll, then cut it into 12 equal slices. Place each slice in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet, spaced apart.
6. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they become puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake the Rolls:
Once the rolls are puffy, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Prepare the Icing:
While the rolls bake, in a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can adjust the milk for your desired consistency—thicker for a drizzle or thinner for a pour.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then generously drizzle the icing over the warm rolls. Serve warm, and enjoy your scrumptious apple cinnamon rolls!
These rolls are a perfect treat for any time of day, filled with delicious flavors and topped with sweet icing. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Can I Use Different Apples for the Filling?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any firm apple that suits your taste. Just make sure they hold up well during baking!
What Should I Do if My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to old yeast or insufficient warmth. Make sure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer spot, like an oven with the light on. If all else fails, you might need to start again with new yeast.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for about a week, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat in the oven for a few minutes when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the day before. After kneading, place it in the fridge instead of allowing it to rise. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, allow it to rise until doubled, then proceed with the filling and baking steps.
