These warm apple cinnamon rolls are like a hug for your taste buds! Soft dough swirled with sweet apples and a dash of cinnamon make every bite cozy and delightful.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls baking? I love enjoying them warm with a cup of coffee or tea—it’s a perfect sweet treat any time of the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient is crucial for the rolls to rise. If you’re out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead—just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. Keep in mind, you may not need to let it sit in water beforehand!
Milk: Whole milk makes for the richest dough, but you can swap in almond milk, oat milk, or whatever milk you prefer. Just make sure it’s warm (like a cozy bath) to help activate the yeast.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness. You can substitute other apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for their sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, canned apples or even applesauce could work, just adjust the sugar in the filling!
Cinnamon: This is the star of the filling. If you want a twist, add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for extra warmth. Just be careful not to overpower the cinnamon!
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to leave them out, or swap in some raisins or cranberries for a different texture!
How Do You Knead Dough Like a Pro?
Kneading dough can seem daunting, but it’s all about building that gluten structure for fluffy rolls. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Lightly flour your countertop to prevent sticking.
- Place the dough on the counter, and press it down with the palms of your hands.
- Fold the dough over itself toward the center, and then turn it slightly.
- Repeat this process for 7-10 minutes. You want the dough to become smooth and elastic, not too sticky!
If you’re using a stand mixer, let the dough hook do the work for you. Just keep an eye out, as over-kneading can make the dough tough!
How to Make Delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will require about 30 minutes for preparation, plus an additional 2 hours for the dough to rise. Baking will take around 25-30 minutes. In total, you could be enjoying your delicious apple cinnamon rolls in about 2.5 to 3 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it bubbles and becomes foamy. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl or your stand mixer bowl, mix together the sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg until well combined.
2. Combine Ingredients:
Add the foamy yeast mixture to the bowl, and begin to add the flour gradually. Mix until a soft dough forms. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook. If you’re mixing by hand, get your hands in there!
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 7-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead for about 5 minutes with the dough hook. Once ready, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough rises, mix together the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and softened butter in a separate bowl until well combined.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
6. Assemble the Rolls:
Spread the apple filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. If using, sprinkle nuts on top. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log, and then cut it into 12 equal slices.
7. Second Rise:
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover and let rise again for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
8. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Prepare the Icing:
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth to create a lovely icing.
10. Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious apple cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven!
This recipe makes for soft, tasty rolls filled with warm apple and cinnamon flavors, finished off with a sweet glaze. They’re perfect as a breakfast treat or a delightful dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, you can use any apple you prefer—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Gala work well for a sweeter flavor. Just adjust the sugar in the filling as needed!
Can I Make the Dough the Night Before?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out to fill the rolls. This will give you fresh rolls in the morning with minimal effort!
How Should I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm again.
Can I Freeze Unbaked Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked rolls! After cutting them, arrange them in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for 1-2 hours before placing them in the oven. This way, you can enjoy them fresh anytime!
