Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon, then these apple cinnamon rolls are the perfect choice. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with apple filling and drizzled with a sweet icing – this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven as a delightful breakfast or a sweet snack.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Dough:
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Apple Filling:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Prep Time
Preparation time for this recipe is approximately 2 hours. This includes the time required for the dough to rise and prepare the apple filling.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 35-40 minutes, totaling approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields about 8 delicious apple cinnamon rolls. Enjoy the scrumptious aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the milk, sugar, and unsalted butter until the mixture reaches about 110°F. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, dry active yeast, and salt using the dough hook attachment. Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the flour mixture, stirring to incorporate. Continue adding the remaining flour a little at a time, mixing at medium speed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Let the Dough Rise:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead briefly. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the dough is rising, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, apple cider, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the apples are softened.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, place it on a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle. Drizzle melted butter over the dough and use a pastry brush to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the cinnamon sugar layer.
Shape the Cinnamon Rolls:
Roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 8 equal cinnamon rolls using a sharp knife. Place the rolls in a greased casserole dish, cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel, and let them rest for 30 minutes.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F while the rolls are resting. Bake the rolls for 35-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once baked, place the apple cinnamon rolls on a cooling rack and allow them to cool for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Icing:
While the rolls are cooling, mix the powdered sugar, apple cider, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Serve:
Once the apple cinnamon rolls have cooled, pour the icing over the top. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Tip for perfect dough:
Ensure the milk mixture is at the right temperature (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
Apple selection:
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more balanced flavor in the filling.
Storage:
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freezing option:
Unbaked rolls can be frozen before the second rise. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let them rise before baking.
Cook techniques
Warm Milk Mixture
To activate the yeast effectively, warm the milk, sugar, and butter until it reaches around 110°F. This temperature ensures that the yeast becomes active without killing it.
Kneading the Dough
After combining the ingredients, knead the dough briefly on a floured surface to develop gluten, which will give the rolls structure and help them rise.
Dough Rising
Let the dough rise in a greased bowl, covered, until it doubles in size. This process usually takes about 1.5 hours and is crucial for fluffy rolls.
Cooking Apples
Sauté the chopped apples with butter, cider, and spices to soften them and infuse them with flavor. This filling should be cooked until the apples are soft but not falling apart.
Rolling the Dough
Roll the dough into a rectangle before filling to create even layers. Drizzling melted butter helps the filling adhere and enhances flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Distribution
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough to ensure each bite of the rolls is sweet and spiced.
Shaping the Rolls
After spreading the filling, roll the dough tightly into a log. This tightness helps achieve a nice spiral shape for each roll when they are cut.
Baking
Bake the rolls in a preheated oven until they are golden brown. This step ensures the rolls are cooked through and have a pleasing color.
Preparing Icing
Mix the icing ingredients until smooth to provide a sweet finishing touch that complements the spiced apple filling and cinnamon sugar.
FAQ
Can I use other types of apples for the filling?
Yes, you can use different varieties of apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, depending on your taste preference.
How long can I store the apple cinnamon rolls?
You can store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What can I use instead of apple cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice as a substitute, though the flavor may be slightly different.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
Conclusion
The delightful apple cinnamon rolls are a perfect combination of soft, sweet dough and delicious apple filling, generously drizzled with icing. Their warm, comforting flavors make them an ideal treat for any occasion, inviting everyone to enjoy a taste of homemade goodness.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Peach Cinnamon Rolls
Swap the apple filling for fresh peaches cooked with cinnamon and sugar for a fruity twist on classic cinnamon rolls.
Nutella Rolls
Spread Nutella over the rolled-out dough before adding the cinnamon sugar mixture for a rich, chocolatey variation.
Pumpkin Spice Rolls
Incorporate pumpkin puree into the dough and the filling, adding nutmeg and ginger for a seasonal favorite.
Chocolate Chip Filling
Mix chocolate chips into the apple filling or use them alone for a decadent chocolate version of cinnamon rolls.
Dried Fruit and Nut Rolls
Combine dried cranberries or raisins with chopped nuts and cinnamon for a chewy, crunchy filling that adds texture and flavor.
