Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft & Fluffy: The dough bakes up perfectly tender and pillowy.
- Sweet & Spiced: Apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar create a deliciously warm flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add egg, egg yolk, and melted butter, stirring to combine.
- Mix in flour and salt, kneading for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until apples are soft and caramelized. Let cool.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Roll out dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread apple filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 rolls.
- Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
4. Bake the Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Maple Glaze: Replace vanilla with 1 tablespoon maple syrup in the icing.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling.
- Caramel Apple Rolls: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked rolls.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls and thaw overnight before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Store-bought pizza or crescent roll dough works well.
2. Can I make these overnight?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.
3. Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, mix it directly with the flour and skip proofing.
4. How do I make the rolls extra gooey?
Brush with warm milk or melted butter before baking.
5. Can I use different apples?
Yes! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work great.
Conclusion
These Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate fall-inspired treat, with warm spiced apples and a sweet, creamy glaze. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for a quick treat, these cinnamon rolls will bring warmth and joy to any table. Try them today and enjoy a homemade, bakery-quality delight!
Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are irresistibly fluffy, packed with a gooey cinnamon-apple filling, and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. Made from scratch with a soft dough and warm spiced apples, this recipe is perfect for fall mornings, holidays, or any time you crave a comforting homemade treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Butter:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter.
- Add the yeast mixture and mix. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
- In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples.
- Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5 minutes until apples soften.
- If the mixture is too watery, stir in cornstarch and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and cool.
3. Roll Out and Fill the Dough:
- Roll out the risen dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.
- Spread the cooled apple filling on top.
4. Roll and Cut the Rolls:
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
- Cut into 10–12 rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
5. Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
6. Make the Glaze and Serve:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm rolls and serve immediately!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
- Apple Swap: Try pears instead for a unique twist!
- Extra Gooey: Add a caramel drizzle for even more indulgence.
