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Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

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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!

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:

  1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and mix. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. 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:

  1. In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples.
  2. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5 minutes until apples soften.
  3. 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:

  1. Roll out the risen dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  2. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.
  3. Spread the cooled apple filling on top.

4. Roll and Cut the Rolls:

  1. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
  2. Cut into 10–12 rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
  3. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.

5. Bake the Rolls:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

6. Make the Glaze and Serve:

  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. 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.

Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/soft-baked-apple-cinnamon-rolls/