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Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Easy Fall Dessert Idea

Apple Cinnamon Rolls - featured image

Warm apple cinnamon rolls with gooey cinnamon-spiced apples and fluffy dough, topped with a tangy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for fall mornings or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp or 7g) active dry yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Add the egg and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
  4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples are soft and caramelized. Let cool.
  6. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
  7. Spread the Filling: Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  8. Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice into 12 equal pieces.
  9. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
  10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Make the Glaze: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, mixing until creamy.
  12. Glaze and Serve: Spread the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Notes

[‘Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.’, ‘Don’t overfill the rolls to avoid sogginess.’, ‘Ensure ingredients like egg, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.’, ‘Check for doneness by tapping the bottom of the rolls—they should sound hollow and have a golden-brown color.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Apple Cinnamon Rolls, Fall Dessert, Homemade Rolls, Cream Cheese Glaze, Easy Baking Recipe