Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a festive holiday gathering, these rolls are sure to impress. With their soft texture, gooey apple filling, and rich cream cheese frosting, they stand out as a perfect blend of flavors. Plus, the best part? You can prepare the components ahead of time, making your morning routine effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and tender apples creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert—these rolls fit any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare components in advance for an easy assembly in the morning.
• Family-Friendly: The whole family will enjoy these sweet rolls, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to add nuts or swap out apples for your favorite fruits.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes kneading dough easy and ensures it’s well mixed without too much effort.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to separate ingredients efficiently during preparation.
• Rolling pin: A must-have for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring perfect cinnamon rolls every time.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 250g whole milk, lukewarm
• 50g granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dried yeast
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 565g all-purpose flour
• 100g unsalted butter, at room temperature

For the Apple Filling

• 850g about four medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
• 30g unsalted butter
• 80g granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 Tbsp corn starch

For the Cinnamon Filling

• 125g pecan halves
• 190g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 280g brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 115g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 225g cream cheese, at room temperature
• 250g powdered sugar, sifted
• 1-2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

How to Make Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by warming the milk until it is lukewarm. In a mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment:
1. Combine lukewarm milk with granulated sugar and yeast.
2. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Add in eggs and salt; mix well.
4. Gradually add all-purpose flour and butter; mix until a dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on a floured surface or in your stand mixer:
1. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean cloth.
3. Let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

While the dough rises:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter.
2. Add diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and corn starch.
3. Cook until apples are tender but not mushy; set aside to cool.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Spread softened butter over rolled-out dough:
1. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture evenly across.
2. Top with apple filling and pecans; press down gently.
3. Roll tightly from one end to another; slice into equal pieces.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Place sliced rolls onto prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper:
1. Allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
2. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While rolls bake:
1. In a bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until creamy.
2. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar; mix well.
3. Add heavy whipping cream and salt to reach desired consistency.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

After baking:
1. Drizzle cream cheese frosting over warm cinnamon rolls.
2. Serve immediately or allow cooling slightly before serving.

Enjoy your Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven. These delightful treats can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and experience.

With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top while the rolls are still warm for a gooey, melty finish.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the rolls for an extra layer of sweetness that complements the apples and cinnamon.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh apples or berries on the side to balance the richness of the rolls with some natural acidity.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy your soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea to create a cozy breakfast experience.

Topped with Toasted Nuts

• Sprinkle some additional toasted pecans on top for added crunch and nuttiness that enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

To achieve the perfect soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls, follow these helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Knead thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic to develop gluten, which gives the rolls their soft texture.

• Let it rise properly: Allow ample time for the dough to rise in a warm place. This ensures fluffy rolls with a light structure.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Bake until golden brown but not overdone; this keeps them soft inside while providing a slight crust outside.

• Store correctly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.

Best Side Dishes for Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls make a great centerpiece for any meal. Pair them with these delicious side dishes:

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances out the sweetness of the rolls.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast that complements the rolls nicely.

3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses pairs well, offering savory notes that balance the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.

4. Hash Browns
   Crispy hash browns add a comforting element to your breakfast spread that contrasts nicely with soft rolls.

5. Scrambled Eggs
   Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and richness, making for a well-rounded meal when served alongside your sweet rolls.

6. Smoothies
   A refreshing fruit smoothie can cleanse your palate after enjoying the rich flavors of apple cinnamon rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to making Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can prevent the dough from rising properly. Always use room temperature ingredients for best results.

• Not measuring flour accurately: Too much or too little flour can lead to dense rolls. Use a kitchen scale for precision or spoon and level the flour into your measuring cup.

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make the rolls tough. Mix just until combined, then let the dough rest to develop gluten without excess kneading.

• Ignoring rise times: Skipping or rushing the rise time can result in underdeveloped flavors and textures. Be patient and allow enough time for the dough to double in size.

• Forgetting to preheat the oven: Placing rolls in a cold oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven before baking for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each roll on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a roll in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls:

Can I make Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, then assemble and bake them in the morning for fresh rolls.

What type of apples work best?

Firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal as they hold their shape well during baking.

Can I substitute other nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to use walnuts or omit nuts entirely if you prefer nut-free rolls.

How do I ensure my rolls turn out soft?

Make sure not to overbake them; remove from the oven when they are golden brown and still soft to touch.

Final Thoughts

These Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast or a festive dessert. Their gooey texture combined with warm spices makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with different fruits or nuts based on your preference!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 rolls 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls, perfect for any occasion, from cozy family breakfasts to festive gatherings. These delightful rolls feature a tender dough filled with sweet, spiced apples and topped with rich cream cheese frosting that adds an irresistible sweetness. The best part? You can prepare the dough and filling in advance, allowing for easy assembly in the morning. Enjoy a comforting treat that will impress your family and friends!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 250g whole milk, lukewarm
• 50g granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dried yeast
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 565g all-purpose flour
• 100g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 850g about four medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
• 30g unsalted butter
• 80g granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 Tbsp corn starch
• 125g pecan halves
• 190g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 280g brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt
• 115g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 225g cream cheese, at room temperature
• 250g powdered sugar, sifted
• 1–2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the milk until lukewarm. In a mixing bowl, combine it with granulated sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add eggs and salt; mix well. Gradually incorporate flour and softened butter until a dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. While the dough rises, cook diced apples with unsalted butter, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and corn starch in a skillet over medium heat until tender.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
6. Spread softened butter over the dough, sprinkle with brown sugar mixture, add apple filling and pecans if using. Roll tightly and slice into equal pieces.
7. Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet to rise again for 30 minutes before baking for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
8. For frosting: Beat softened butter and cream cheese together; gradually add sifted powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream to reach desired consistency.
9. Drizzle frosting over warm rolls before serving.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll (85g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg