When you wake up to the smell of freshly baked apple cinnamon rolls wafting through the air, it’s hard not to feel a little giddy.
I’ll take you on a delightful journey today, sharing everything you need to know about making apple cinnamon rolls that will make you the star of any Sunday brunch or cozy family gathering. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into the sweet world of baking!
Apple cinnamon rolls are a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll. They combine soft, fluffy dough with a gooey apple filling spiced with cinnamon.
Once rolled and baked, these treats become pillowy delights drizzled with sweet icing. Every bite is an explosion of flavor that mixes the sweetness of apples with the warm hug of cinnamon.
I first encountered these beauties during a chilly fall morning. The warmth enveloping me as I bit into that soft pastry is a memory I cherish. From then on, I knew this pastry would make its way into my regular baking rotation.
Let’s face it, the charming combination of apples and cinnamon is hard to beat. But beyond flavor, there are a few reasons to love this recipe even more:
Creating something delicious starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for these apple cinnamon rolls:
Dough Ingredients:
- 4 and 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour, plus extra if needed
- 2 large eggs, preferably room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, brought to room temperature and quartered
- 2/3 cup white granulated sugar, split into two portions
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons Red Star Platinum Yeast (equivalent to 2 standard packets)
- 1 cup whole milk, gently warmed to 100°F (38°C)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Filling:
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced into small chunks
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons ground Ceylon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened until spreadable
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar
Icing:
2 tablespoons warm salted caramel sauce
1/2 teaspoon real vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
2 tablespoons whole milk
Baking these apple cinnamon rolls is like orchestration; each step builds on the last to create something wonderful. Let’s jump into it!
Start by warming the milk. It should be warm to the touch but not scalding. Pour the milk into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This is the yeast waking up, and trust me, you want this step.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, half of the sugar, and salt. This mix will form the base of your dough.
Once the yeast is bubbling, add the eggs, vanilla, and quartered butter. Gradually stir in the flour mix until a soft dough forms. Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands if needed. The dough should come together smoothly but might be a little sticky.
Lightly flour your countertop and place the dough onto it. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. A little arm workout never hurt anyone, right? If the dough is sticking to your hands too much, add a bit more flour.
Place the kneaded dough in a bowl greased with butter or oil. Cover with a warm wet cloth and leave it in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size. This step is vital; your rolls rely on it to be fluffy.
While the dough is rising, chop your apples and mix them with cinnamon, remaining brown sugar, and walnuts in a small bowl. Make sure everything is evenly coated. This will be the heart of your rolls. The aroma of cinnamon and apples mixed together is pure magic!
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to remove excess air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 16x24 inches. Don't stress about measuring; just aim for a nice, even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Spread the softened butter evenly across the rectangle of dough. This butter acts as the glue to hold your filling in place.
Sprinkle your cinnamon-apple mixture evenly across the buttered dough. It should look like a colorful artistry, each apple chunk shimmering with spice.
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Use a gentle hand to keep it tight but not too tight, or you might squeeze out some of that delicious filling. Once it's rolled, pinch the seams to seal them tight.
Slice the log into equal pieces (about 1.5 inches thick) using a serrated knife, a bench scraper, or dental floss. Yes, floss. Just make sure it’s unwaxed and clean!
Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Cover again with a cloth and let them rise for another hour. This is when they get to puff and become fluffy clouds of joy!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen for the second time, pop them into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
While those rolls are baking away, whisk together the warm caramel sauce, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl. The mixture should be smooth and thick but pourable.
Once your rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the warm icing over them while they are still hot. Feel free to go a little overboard—the more, the merrier!
You want to make these rolls perfect, right? Here are some handy tips:
Absolutely! If you have leftovers (which is uncommon), just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. The icing can be made fresh or used from the fridge.
Apple cinnamon rolls make a delightful standalone treat, but they pair beautifully with various dishes:
While the classic version is divine, experimenting with variations can be fun. Here are some ideas:
Once you’ve taken that first warm bite of your homemade apple cinnamon roll, you’ll understand why they are a beloved treat. With fluffy dough enveloping spiced apples and a drizzle of sweet caramel, each roll is a tiny celebration.
Whether you're serving them at a brunch, enjoying them with a cup of coffee, or indulging alone, these treats have a way of brightening any moment.
May your kitchen be filled with warmth, laughter, and the delicious aroma of freshly baked apple cinnamon rolls! Get baking, and enjoy the smiles that come with sharing these beauties.
When you wake up to the smell of freshly baked apple cinnamon rolls wafting through the air, it’s hard not to feel a little giddy.
Start by warming the milk. It should be warm to the touch but not scalding. Pour the milk into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This is the yeast waking up, and trust me, you want this step.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, half of the sugar, and salt. This mix will form the base of your dough.
Once the yeast is bubbling, add the eggs, vanilla, and quartered butter. Gradually stir in the flour mix until a soft dough forms. Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands if needed. The dough should come together smoothly but might be a little sticky.
Lightly flour your countertop and place the dough onto it. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. A little arm workout never hurt anyone, right? If the dough is sticking to your hands too much, add a bit more flour.
Place the kneaded dough in a bowl greased with butter or oil. Cover with a warm wet cloth and leave it in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size. This step is vital; your rolls rely on it to be fluffy.
Servings 12
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I’m Glennis Annis, a registered dietitian and the creator of Hearty Food Ideas. Based in Saint Louis, Missouri, I’m passionate about sharing delicious, wholesome recipes that are easy to make and packed with comfort. Through my blog, I aim to help you create hearty meals that nourish both your body and soul, bringing joy to your kitchen and table.