The Coziest Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Ever

Warm, gooey apple cinnamon rolls have been my comfort companion during chilly weekend mornings.

Fragrant spices swirl through soft dough, promising a delightful breakfast treat.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through my mind with each rolling motion.

Sweet apples nestled between buttery layers create a magical pastry experience.

Soft yeasted dough becomes a canvas for delectable cinnamon-infused goodness.

Nobody can resist the incredible aroma wafting from the oven during baking.

Gather your ingredients and let’s create something truly magical together.

You’ll want to savor every single tender, sweet bite of these incredible rolls.

What Makes Apple Cinnamon Rolls So Comforting

• Dive into a delightful baking experience that requires minimal technical skills, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Prepare these rolls together in under 2 hours, creating memorable moments while crafting a delicious treat that brings everyone to the kitchen.
• Enjoy these apple cinnamon rolls as a cozy breakfast, afternoon snack, or sweet dessert that adapts to any mealtime or gathering.
• Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate overnight, making morning preparation a breeze and saving precious time during busy mornings.

Ingredients in These Apple-Filled Rolls

• Warm Milk: Activates yeast and provides moisture for soft, tender rolls.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for dough rising and developing rich flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and texture for the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Melted Butter: Provides flavor and softness to the dough.

• Apples: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the rolls.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, classic spice flavor to the filling.

How to Bake Apple Cinnamon Rolls Easily

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Grab a roomy mixing bowl. Pour in warm milk, sprinkle sugar, and scatter yeast. Let the magical mixture sit and bubble for 5 minutes until it looks frothy and alive. Pro tip: Instant yeast lovers can skip the waiting game.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

Introduce melted butter, a cracked egg, salt, and first portion of flour into the yeast concoction. Stir enthusiastically until ingredients dance together smoothly.

Step 3: Knead Soft Dough

Gradually fold in remaining flour. Use your hands or stand mixer to transform ingredients into a silky, tender dough. Hand kneading takes about 8-10 minutes, while mixer does the job in 5 minutes.

Step 4: First Dough Rise

Transfer dough to a generously greased bowl. Cover with a soft kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough relax and expand in a cozy spot for one hour until it doubles in volume.

Step 5: Prepare Apple Filling

• Fresh apples
• Ground cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Softened butter

Peel and finely dice apples. Mix with cinnamon and brown sugar to create a spicy-sweet filling.

Step 6: Roll and Shape Treats

Punch down risen dough. Roll into a rectangular shape on a floured surface. Spread softened butter, then sprinkle apple-cinnamon mixture evenly.

Step 7: Create Cinnamon Rolls

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into equal rounds using dental floss or sharp knife.

Step 8: Second Dough Rise

Place rolls in a buttered baking pan. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven. Bake rolls until tops turn golden brown and centers look irresistibly soft.

Step 10: Craft Creamy Glaze

Whip together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Drizzle over warm rolls for extra indulgence.

Cinnamon Roll Tips for Soft, Sweet Dough

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing yeast, creating a soft, fluffy texture for your rolls.
• Knead with Care: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, which helps create a tender, stretchy dough that rises beautifully.
• Control Moisture Balance: Add flour gradually to avoid dry or sticky dough, aiming for a smooth, elastic consistency that's easy to handle.
• Rise in Warm Spot: Place dough in a draft-free, warm area like near a preheated oven to help it rise evenly and quickly.
• Instant Yeast Shortcut: Skip proofing time with instant yeast, making the recipe more convenient without compromising the roll's quality.

Keep Rolls Fresh Without Drying Out

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm rolls at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, wrapped in foil to prevent over-browning. Brush with melted butter before serving for extra softness.
• Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel to prevent them from becoming tough or rubbery.

What to Pair with Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Boost Flavor with Perfect Pairings
• Complement the warm, sweet apple cinnamon rolls with a freshly brewed cup of cinnamon-infused coffee, enhancing the spicy notes and creating a cozy morning experience.
• Serve warm rolls alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the hot pastry and cold, smooth dessert that melts beautifully.
• Pair with a caramel latte or hot caramel apple cider to intensify the apple and cinnamon flavors, adding a rich, indulgent layer to your breakfast or dessert.
• Top rolls with chopped candied pecans or walnuts, introducing a crunchy texture and nutty sweetness that elevates the overall taste profile.

Ways to Customize These Fall Rolls

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using rice flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum to maintain similar texture and rise.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace egg with a flax egg or applesauce for moisture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate diced fresh apples for natural sweetness without adding refined sugars.
• Whole Wheat Adaptation: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber and nutritional value while maintaining a soft, tender roll texture.

Cinnamon Apple Roll FAQs

• How do I know if my yeast is still good?

Check the expiration date on the package and test by mixing it with warm milk and sugar. If it becomes foamy within 5-10 minutes, your yeast is active and ready to use.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling and shaping the cinnamon rolls.

• What type of flour works best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour is ideal for these apple cinnamon rolls. It provides the right texture and structure for a soft, tender dough.

• How can I prevent my dough from drying out during rising?

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to keep moisture in and protect the dough from drafts while it rises.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, gooey apple cinnamon rolls elevate breakfast comfort with sweet Granny Smith apples and fragrant spices. Homemade pastry lovers will delight in this classic American treat that brings cozy kitchen magic straight to your morning table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Dough):

• 3 ½ cups (440 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (7 grams / 0.25 ounces) instant yeast
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) warm milk
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled & diced
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Topping/Glaze Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast mixture by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl, allowing it to rest and become frothy for about 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate melted butter, egg, salt, and initial portion of flour, stirring until the ingredients form a cohesive blend.
3. Gradually introduce the remaining flour, working the dough thoroughly until it achieves a smooth, elastic consistency through manual kneading or using a stand mixer.
4. Transfer the prepared dough to a lightly oiled bowl, ensuring complete coverage, and permit it to undergo a slow, steady rising process in a warm environment for approximately one hour or until its volume has substantially increased.
5. While the dough rises, prepare the apple cinnamon filling by finely dicing fresh apples and combining them with ground cinnamon, creating a fragrant and flavorful mixture.
6. Once the dough has expanded, gently deflate it and roll out into a rectangular shape on a lightly floured surface.
7. Spread the prepared apple cinnamon mixture evenly across the rolled dough, leaving a small margin around the edges.
8. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using a gentle but firm technique to ensure even distribution of the filling.
9. Slice the rolled dough into individual rounds, placing them in a prepared baking dish with adequate spacing between each roll.
10. Allow the shaped rolls to undergo a final proofing stage, giving them time to rise and become light and puffy before baking.

Notes

• Activate yeast carefully by checking water temperature; too hot kills yeast, too cold prevents activation.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure consistent dough texture and even rising.
• Substitute whole wheat flour for part of all-purpose flour to boost nutritional value and add subtle nutty flavor.
• Opt for dairy-free milk and vegan butter alternatives to make recipe accessible for plant-based diets without compromising soft, tender roll texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg