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Apple Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection

  • Total Time: 180 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x

Description

Soft, fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls filled with diced apples, cinnamon, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare the Apples: While the dough is rising, peel, core, and finely dice the apples.
  7. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  8. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  9. Spread the Filling: Spread the softened butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
  10. Add Apples and Nuts: Sprinkle the diced apples evenly over the butter mixture. If using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the apples.
  11. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
  12. Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  13. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
  14. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  15. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach around 200°F (93°C). If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
  16. Cool Slightly: Let the cinnamon rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting.
  17. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  18. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
  19. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
  20. Frost the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls.
  21. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use fresh yeast for the best results.
  • Don’t overknead the dough.
  • A warm environment is crucial for the dough to rise properly.
  • Don’t overbake the cinnamon rolls.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling and frosting to your liking.
  • Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as raisins, cranberries, or other nuts.
  • You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator overnight. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out. You can also assemble the rolls and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bake them as directed in the morning.
  • Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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Find it online: https://recipesstrawberry.com/apple-cinnamon-rolls/