Description
Delight in these homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls featuring a soft yeast dough filled with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect as a comforting breakfast treat or a cozy dessert, these rolls combine the warm flavors of autumn with a tender, fluffy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk along with a pinch of granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. Add the activated yeast mixture and knead the ingredients together for about 8–10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Filling & Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Spread the softened unsalted butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped apples evenly on top.
- Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 9 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and allow them to rise for another 20–30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Make Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and drizzle-able.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and drizzle the glaze over them while they are still warm. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, sauté the chopped apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a bit of sugar before spreading them on the dough.
- Serve these rolls warm to enjoy their soft texture and sweet aroma.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
