These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a warm and tasty treat! Fluffy rolls are filled with sweet apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon, making your kitchen smell amazing.
Every bite is like a hug from a cozy grandma. I love enjoying them fresh out of the oven with a drizzle of icing—pure happiness on a plate! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your rolls, giving them structure. For a lighter roll, you might try using bread flour instead, as it has more gluten. It can make the rolls even fluffier!
Active dry yeast: Essential for making your dough rise. If you prefer, you can use instant yeast instead—just add it directly to your dry ingredients without proofing!
Apples: I love using Gala or Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness. If these aren’t available, feel free to use Granny Smith for a tart kick. Any firm apple should do well!
Brown sugar: It adds rich flavor to the filling. If you’re out, white sugar works too, but you might miss that deep, caramel-like taste. You can mix in a bit of molasses to mimic brown sugar.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Dough Texture?
Getting the right dough texture is key for fluffy rolls. After mixing your ingredients, remember to knead the dough well! Kneading helps develop the gluten, which gives the rolls structure and chewiness. Here’s how:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking and keep kneading for 6-8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- If the dough sticks to your hands too much, sprinkle a tiny bit more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep it soft.
- Check the windowpane test: stretch a small piece of dough. If it forms a thin window without tearing, it’s ready!
Happy baking! These rolls are sure to warm your heart and home! 😊
Delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 medium apples (like Gala or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus 2 hours for the dough to rise (1 hour for the first rise and 30-45 minutes for the second rise), and another 25-30 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll spend a little over 2 hours before you can enjoy these yummy rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated! Next, stir in the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add 2 cups of flour, mixing until you have a sticky dough.
2. Knead the Dough
Sprinkle a little flour on a clean surface and knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a touch more flour as you knead.
3. Let It Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, softened butter, and any nuts you choose to add. This mixture will be deliciously gooey inside the rolls!
5. Roll Out the Dough
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 15×10 inches. Spread the apple cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a little border around the edges.
6. Roll and Slice
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it well. Then, cut the log into 9 equal pieces and place them in a greased round or rectangular baking pan.
7. Second Rise
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they’ve puffed up nicely.
8. Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Make the Icing
While your rolls are baking, whip up the icing! In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thick, just add a little more milk!
10. Drizzle and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool for 5-10 minutes. Then, drizzle your creamy icing over the top. Serve warm and get ready to enjoy these soft, gooey treats!
This cozy recipe for Apple Cinnamon Rolls is perfect for brightening up your mornings or sharing with loved ones. Each roll is filled with the sweet taste of apples and cinnamon, complemented by a delightful vanilla glaze. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Gala and Honeycrisp are sweet and ideal for this recipe, you can use any firm apples like Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just make sure they are peeled and finely chopped!
How Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise. After cutting them, place the rolls in the pan and cover tightly, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What Can I Use Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
You can use instant yeast instead. It doesn’t require proofing, so you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients! Just ensure to adjust the amount slightly; about 2 teaspoons should suffice.
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them! Just wrap well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!