Nothing says comfort like the warm, cozy aroma of freshly baked apple cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with tender apples, sweet cinnamon, and brown sugar, then topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect for autumn mornings, holiday breakfasts, or any time you crave a sweet treat, these rolls will quickly become a family favorite.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation Steps
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour and knead for about 7–10 minutes until a soft dough forms.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is rising, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are tender and the mixture thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
- Roll and Fill the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×16 inches).
- Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise:
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each.
- Cover with a towel and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze and Serve:
- While the rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once rolls are out of the oven, drizzle glaze over warm rolls.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of tender dough, spiced apple filling, and creamy glaze. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion breakfast, they deliver all the nostalgic flavors of fall in every bite. The recipe may require a bit of time and care, but the end result is absolutely worth the effort. Your home will smell amazing, your guests will be impressed, and your taste buds will thank you. For an extra indulgent twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Happy baking!