Apple Cinnamon Soft Rolls

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are about to become that recipe everyone in your house requests when there is a chill in the air or friends coming over for brunch The dough is melt in your mouth soft with swirls of juicy apple and cinnamon tucked inside all finished with a creamy vanilla glaze I usually make these when I want the kitchen to smell absolutely irresistible and guests always think they came from a bakery

I first baked these on a snowy weekend when we had apples to spare and the kids begged all week for more They have since become a cozy breakfast tradition especially for fall mornings

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: gives the rolls their tender structure look for unbleached flour for best texture
• Active dry yeast: makes the dough rise always check that your packet is fresh and not expired
• Warm milk: keeps the dough moist and helps the yeast activate use whole milk for richer rolls
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the dough and helps yeast feed use fine grain for best mixing
• Unsalted butter: in both the dough and filling adds flavor and softness quality butter really shines here
• Egg: binds the dough and adds richness select large eggs at room temperature
• Salt: balances sweetness and deepens flavor use kosher salt for clean taste
• Peeled diced apples: provide the juicy cinnamon swirl firm tart apples like Granny Smith keep their shape during baking
• Brown sugar: melts into the apples for a gooey filling use fresh soft brown sugar for best results
• Ground cinnamon: brings warmth and depth opt for a high quality spice for a fuller flavor
• Powdered sugar: forms the creamy glaze sift before using to avoid lumps
• Milk: in the glaze brings it together use the same milk as in the dough
• Vanilla extract: finishes the glaze with fragrance pure extract gives the best flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Yeast:

Dissolve active dry yeast in warm milk with a spoonful of sugar in a large bowl Let it sit for about five minutes until you see a layer of foam This step ensures your yeast is active and will lift the dough

Build the Dough:

Stir in the rest of the sugar melted butter egg and salt Mix until everything is incorporated This is where the richness starts coming through

Form the Dough:

Gradually add flour and stir until a soft dough forms It will be a bit sticky at first Knead by hand or with a dough hook for eight to ten minutes until smooth and stretchy Touch the dough it should bounce back slightly

First Rise:

Place the dough in a greased bowl turn to coat and cover with a clean towel Place in a warm spot Let it rise for about an hour It should double in size which means the yeast is working its magic

Prepare the Filling:

While the dough rises mix diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon Give it a good stir to coat the apples evenly Set aside so the flavors can mingle

Shape the Rolls:

Gently punch down the risen dough Roll it on a lightly floured surface to a large rectangle about sixteen by twelve inches

Bake in Flavor:

Spread the softened butter over the entire dough surface Evenly scatter the apple cinnamon filling across the butter pressing lightly so it sticks

Create the Spirals:

From the long side roll the dough up tightly into a log Slice into twelve equal pieces I find using unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife keeps swirls perfect

Second Rise:

Arrange spirals in a greased baking dish leaving a bit of space to expand Cover and let them rise for thirty minutes The rolls will puff up beautifully

Bake to Perfection:

Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Bake for twenty five to twenty eight minutes until golden and the kitchen is filled with the smell of apples and cinnamon

Glaze and Serve:

Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth Drizzle generously over warm rolls Let the glaze soak in and serve them while still a little gooey

Pin

My favorite ingredient is absolutely the apples because every batch tastes a little different depending on which variety I use There are sweet memories baked right into these rolls as I often make them with my kids who love sneaking the cinnamon apple filling

Storage Tips

Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature for up to two days For longer storage keep them in the fridge for up to four days and warm before serving A damp paper towel over each roll in the microwave helps them taste freshly baked

Ingredient Substitutions

Soy or oat milk works nicely in place of dairy milk If you are short on brown sugar try maple sugar for a caramel note For a fall twist a sprinkle of nutmeg pairs well with the cinnamon

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls warm with a little extra glaze on the side or pair with fresh fruit on a brunch spread They also shine with a mug of chai or bold coffee Around the holidays sprinkle a little orange zest into the glaze for a festive pop

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Apple cinnamon rolls are a nod to classic American cinnamon rolls with a cozy autumn upgrade The apple cinnamon pairing makes them perfect for apple picking season but I bake them year round especially in winter when a little extra warmth is needed

Seasonal Adaptations

Use pears instead of apples for an early spring batch Toss in dried cranberries for a Thanksgiving feel Top with spiced icing by adding cardamom and ginger to the glaze

Success Stories

Every time I bring these to a breakfast table someone asks for the recipe These rolls are the most requested dish for my holiday mornings and have even made it to a friends potluck where none were left for seconds

Freezer Meal Conversion

Shape and arrange the rolls in your baking dish before the second rise Cover tightly and freeze When ready to serve thaw overnight in the fridge let rise at room temperature and bake as directed

Pin

Bake a batch of these apple cinnamon rolls and let the aroma fill your home They are sure to become a favorite for cozy mornings or festive gatherings

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, you can refrigerate the prepared dough overnight and let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

→ Which apple variety works best?

Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp provides sweetness. Both are excellent choices for the filling.

→ How do I keep rolls soft after baking?

Store them in an airtight container. You can gently reheat in the microwave for fresh-from-the-oven softness.

→ Can I add nuts to the filling?

Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled over the apple mixture for a tasty crunch and extra flavor.

→ Is a stand mixer necessary for kneading?

No, you can knead the dough by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic; a mixer is convenient but optional.