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Apple Cinnamon Rolls First Image

Apple Cinnamon Rolls


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: vegetarian

Description

These delicious apple cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and topped with a creamy glaze!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 ½4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups peeled diced apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp flour (helps absorb juices)
  • 12 tsp lemon juice (prevents browning; optional)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tbsp butter, softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 12 tbsp milk (to loosen as needed)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, egg, and salt; whisk together.
  3. Add flour gradually (start with 3 ½ cups), mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead 6–8 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. (Add additional flour only if sticky.)
  5. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
  6. In a bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice.
  7. Spread softened butter over the dough once rolled out, then sprinkle apple mixture evenly.
  8. Roll dough into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.
  9. Spread the butter, then sprinkle the apple mixture.
  10. Roll tightly from the long side into a log.
  11. Cut into 12 rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
  12. Place in a greased 9×13 baking pan.
  13. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
  14. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  15. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through.
  16. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  17. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
  18. Add milk as needed until pourable.
  19. Spread over warm rolls.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh active dry yeast.
  • Let the rolls cool slightly before adding the glaze.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg