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Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 140 reviews

Delicious homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls featuring soft yeast dough filled with a sweet apple and cinnamon mixture, rolled to perfection, baked until golden brown, and topped with a creamy frosting. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Dough

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Apple Filling

  • 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yeast Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  2. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a bowl, mix the chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated. Set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. Fill and Roll: Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled dough. Sprinkle the apple-cinnamon mixture over the butter layer.
  5. Form Rolls: Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
  8. Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  9. Frost and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance between sweet and tangy.
  • Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • For a vegan version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg.
  • Rolling the dough tightly helps keep the filling intact during baking.
  • The cinnamon quantity can be adjusted based on taste preference.

Keywords: Apple Cinnamon Rolls, yeast dough, cinnamon rolls, baked dessert, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/apple-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/