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Cozy Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Perfect for Fall Baking

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These cozy apple cinnamon rolls blend the tart sweetness of apples with the spiced warmth of cinnamon in every fluffy, gooey bite, making them the ultimate fall treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the apple filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are soft and the mixture is slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Roll and fill: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle (about 12×16 inches). Spread the apple filling evenly over the surface.
  6. Roll and slice: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
  7. Arrange and rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  10. Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the baked rolls. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Ensure milk is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.’, ‘Roll the dough tightly to prevent filling from spilling during baking.’, ‘Use fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.’, ‘Add flour gradually to avoid overly sticky dough.’, “Don’t skimp on the glaze for added sweetness.”]

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon rolls, fall baking, dessert, cinnamon rolls, autumn recipes