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Apple Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Ben
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Deliciously soft and gooey apple cinnamon rolls infused with warm spices and topped with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these homemade rolls combine tender dough with a sweet apple filling that’s bursting with cinnamon, nutmeg, and subtle hints of allspice. Baking these rolls fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma and guarantees a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup (180ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Apple Filling

  • 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk, or more to reach desired consistency

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
  2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the melted butter and the beaten egg.
  4. Mix the Dough: Using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, knead on low speed for 8-10 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces for an even filling texture.
  7. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix diced apples with brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), and lemon juice until the apples are thoroughly coated.
  8. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release air. Turn it onto a floured surface and roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  9. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the apple mixture over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge to seal the roll.
  10. Roll Up the Dough: Starting at the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape to form the cinnamon rolls.
  11. Cut the Rolls: Using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices for even portions.
  12. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
  13. Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the filling bubbles.
  14. Cool Slightly: Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before frosting to avoid melted frosting.
  15. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  16. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in powdered sugar on low speed until well blended.
  17. Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in vanilla extract and add milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
  18. Frost the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the slightly cooled rolls for a rich finish.
  19. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of fresh apple cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise properly.
  • Ensure milk is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast; 110-115°F is ideal.
  • Allspice is optional but adds a warm, complex spice that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • For softer rolls, do not over-bake; take them out as soon as they turn golden brown.
  • The frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before spreading.
  • Dental floss is a great tool for cutting rolls cleanly without squishing them.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently to restore softness.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Baked Goods
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, apple dessert, breakfast rolls, cream cheese frosting, baked cinnamon rolls, homemade rolls, apple filling

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Find it online: https://kitchenwithben.com/apple-cinnamon-rolls-the-ultimate-guide-to-baking-perfection-recipe/