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Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Easy Fall Dessert Favorite

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These homemade apple cinnamon rolls combine soft, tender dough with juicy apple pieces and warm cinnamon sugar, making them a perfect cozy fall dessert or breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 440g)
  • 1 cup warm whole milk (240ml, around 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g), divided
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (57g), melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (preferably Granny Smith)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (100g)
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (42g), softened
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or cream (30-45ml)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Warm 1 cup (240ml) of milk to about 110°F (43°C). Pour into a large mixing bowl, sprinkle 2 ¼ tsp yeast over the surface, and add 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Make the dough: To the yeast mixture, stir in the melted butter (¼ cup / 57g), 1 egg, remaining sugar (¼ cup / 50g), and ½ tsp salt. Gradually add 3 ½ cups (440g) flour, mixing until the dough starts coming together.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-8 minutes.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: Mix chopped apples, brown sugar (½ cup / 100g), cinnamon (2 tsp), nutmeg (optional), and softened butter (3 tbsp / 42g). Set aside.
  6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 15×9 inch (38×23 cm) rectangle. Spread the apple cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
  7. Form the rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  8. Second rise: Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if tops brown too quickly.
  10. Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar (1 cup / 120g) with vanilla (1 tsp) and milk (2-3 tbsp / 30-45ml) until smooth and pourable.
  11. Glaze and serve: Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Serve immediately or let cool slightly.

Notes

Use fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith to avoid soggy rolls. Chop apples finely and pat dry if too juicy. Maintain milk temperature around 110°F for yeast activation. Don’t skip the second rise for soft, airy rolls. Let rolls cool slightly before glazing to help glaze set. If rolls brown too fast, tent with foil during baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon rolls, fall dessert, homemade cinnamon rolls, apple dessert, easy cinnamon rolls, fall baking, cinnamon sugar rolls

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/homemade-apple-cinnamon-rolls-recipe-easy-fall-dessert-favorite/