Description
Delight in these classic Apple Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft, yeasted dough rolled with a fragrant apple cinnamon filling and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls offer a warm, comforting treat with a balance of tender apples, cinnamon spice, and a luscious glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and finely diced)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow this mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. Add the melted butter, beaten egg, and salt, then gradually stir in the flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for kneading. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour in a small bowl. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the softened butter. Add the diced apples and sauté for 3–5 minutes until they are slightly softened. Remove from heat and let the apple mixture cool, then mix in the sugar and spice mixture thoroughly.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the apple filling over the dough. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and slice it into 12 even rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–28 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze and Serve: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls just before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them prior to the second rise; bring them to room temperature before baking.
- Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are recommended for the best tart-sweet balance in the filling.
