These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert! They’re soft, fluffy, and filled with gooey apples and warm cinnamon. Yum!
Honestly, the smell of these rolls baking is pure magic. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool before devouring! 🥐 I love adding a little icing on top for extra sweetness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your dough. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture.
Active dry yeast: This is crucial for the dough to rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use it in the same quantity without any need to dissolve it first. It will save you a bit of time!
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness well. If you want to try something different, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work nicely.
Brown sugar: This gives the filling a lovely depth of flavor. Light brown sugar is great, but if you only have dark brown sugar, feel free to use that for a richer taste.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re not a nut fan or have allergies, just leave them out. The rolls will still be delicious!
How Do I Knead the Dough Properly?
Kneading is important for developing gluten, which gives your rolls structure. Here’s how to do it right:
- Lightly flour your clean surface.
- Flatten the dough slightly, then fold it over itself.
- Push the dough down and away from you using the heel of your hand.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn, fold, and push again.
- Repeat this process for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook for about 5-6 minutes until it looks smooth. Just be careful not to over-knead, as this can make the rolls tough!
What’s the Best Way to Roll and Slice the Dough?
Rolling out the dough evenly is key for consistent rolls:
- After punching down the risen dough, use a rolling pin to roll it into a rectangle, aiming for about 16×12 inches.
- Make sure your rolling surface is well-floured to prevent sticking.
- To slice, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for cleaner cuts.
- Cut the roll into 7-8 equal pieces to ensure they bake evenly.
With these tips, you’ll have beautifully shaped cinnamon rolls ready for baking!
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (preferably tart variety like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep time, plus approximately 2 hours for rising (this includes two separate rising phases) and about 30 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at around 3 hours, but much of that time is just waiting while the dough rises!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready to go!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well. Then add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a dough starts to form.
2. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-6 minutes if you prefer. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough rises, prepare your filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and chopped nuts for added crunch. Set this mixture aside.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle of approximately 16×12 inches. This will be where you spread your filling!
Next, brush the melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
5. Add the Filling:
Now, sprinkle the apple and cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, making sure to cover all the edges!
6. Form the Rolls:
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, slice the log into 7-8 equal pieces. Place these slices in a greased 8-inch square or round baking pan, ensuring there’s a little space between each roll to allow for rising.
7. Second Rise:
Cover your pan with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again for another 30-45 minutes until they puff up nicely.
8. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, place them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly!
9. Prepare the Icing:
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve your desired drizzle consistency.
10. Finish and Enjoy:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the icing over them while they are still warm. Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Indulge in your delicious, soft, gooey apple cinnamon rolls with family and friends—you deserve it!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any apples you have on hand. Just ensure they are firm so they hold up well during baking.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rising step, then refrigerate it. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling out, which may take about 30 minutes.
How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
You can store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a few minutes before serving!
What If I Don’t Have Active Dry Yeast?
If you have instant yeast, you can use it in the same quantity without needing to dissolve it in warm milk first. Instant yeast is a great alternative and typically rises quicker!
