Description
Indulge in the comforting aroma and irresistible taste of homemade apple cinnamon rolls, swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar and tender chunks of apple, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup finely diced apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Stir in granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Assemble the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle the apple-cinnamon mixture evenly over the butter.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Second Rise: Place the sliced rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cut-side up. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Frost and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly in the pan before spreading the frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
- Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish, you can use two smaller pans.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: PT30M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg