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Bakery Style Apple Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch

Two soft, glazed apple cinnamon rolls sitting on a white plate, with one slightly torn open.
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Make soft, sweet apple cinnamon rolls with a rich apple filling and a simple glaze. This recipe uses accessible ingredients for a comforting, homemade treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 105-115°F
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for yeast
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the Filling:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • For the Glaze:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.
  6. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough gently. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches.
  7. Assemble the rolls: Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge. Sprinkle the finely diced apples evenly over the butter mixture.
  8. Shape and cut: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls, about 1.5 inches thick.
  9. Second rise: Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F during the last 15 minutes of rising.
  10. Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. Make the glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  12. Finish: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm apple cinnamon rolls before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use cream cheese instead of milk in the glaze for a cream cheese frosting.
  • If you prefer softer rolls, cover the pan with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove the foil to brown the tops.
  • You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise once, punch it down, place it in the pan, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Add 15 minutes to the second rise time before baking.

Nutrition

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