Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch table. Combining the soft, fluffy texture of homemade rolls with a gooey apple-cinnamon filling, these rolls offer a comforting and delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients- Whole milk: 1 ½ cups, warmed
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup, melted
- Active dry yeast: 2 teaspoons, for leavening
- All-purpose flour: 4 cups, for the dough
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup, for sweetness
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to enhance flavor
- Eggs: 2 large, for structure
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for aroma
- Filling:
- Apples: 2 medium, peeled and chopped
- Butter: 1 tablespoon, for cooking apples
- Cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons, for spice
- Brown sugar: ½ cup, for sweetness
- Pecans: ¼ cup, optional, for crunch
- Glaze:
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup, for the glaze base
- Milk: 2 tablespoons, for desired consistency
- Vanilla extract: ½ teaspoon, for flavor
- Step 1:
- Warm the milk and butter together until melted. Add yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs and yeast mixture. Knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Step 2:
- Cover dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 3:
- While the dough rises, cook chopped apples in butter over medium heat until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in cinnamon and brown sugar, then set aside to cool.
- Step 4:
- Punch down dough and roll it into a rectangle. Spread apple filling evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with pecans (optional) and roll tightly.
- Step 5:
- Cut the dough into 12 slices and place in a greased baking dish. Let them rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden.
- Step 6:
- Whisk together glaze ingredients and pour over warm rolls. Enjoy your homemade apple cinnamon rolls!
- Serve warm for the best gooey texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or leave them out for a nut-free version.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Bella suggests sprinkling a bit of cardamom into the filling for a unique twist.