Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Highlighted under: Artisan Bakery Recipes
Warm, fluffy, and packed with sweet cinnamon and juicy apple filling, these Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. Drizzled with a creamy glaze, they're not only a delightful treat for the holiday but also a comforting and delicious way to celebrate the season. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, these rolls will have your family asking for seconds!
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both worlds: comfort food and festive flavors.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Apple Cinnamon Rolls are not just reserved for Thanksgiving; they're a delightful treat that can brighten up any occasion. Whether it's a cozy Sunday brunch, a holiday gathering, or a simple weekday breakfast, these rolls add a special touch. Their combination of warm spices and sweet apples creates an inviting aroma that fills your home, making everyone feel welcome and cherished.
The ease of preparation also makes them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests. You can pre-make the dough and filling and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator, then simply roll and bake when you're ready. This flexibility allows you to enjoy fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls without the hassle, ensuring you spend more time with loved ones.
A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Cinnamon rolls are a classic favorite, but adding apples elevates this decadent treat to a whole new level. The juicy apples provide a natural sweetness and a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the gooey cinnamon filling. Each bite offers a balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Not only do the apples enhance the flavor, but they also add a touch of freshness that makes these rolls feel lighter and more satisfying. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and apple creates a harmonious blend that is perfect for both kids and adults. These rolls redefine what it means to indulge while still feeling good about your choices.
Storing and Reheating Tips
After you've made a batch of these scrumptious Apple Cinnamon Rolls, you might wonder how to store them for later enjoyment. To keep them fresh, simply place the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about 2-3 days, preserving their fluffy texture and delicious flavor. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them after baking.
To freeze, allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes. The warm, melting glaze will make them taste as if they were just baked, bringing the sweet, cozy aroma back into your kitchen.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you begin!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, warm the milk until it is lukewarm. Add the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in another bowl.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter, and sprinkle with the sugar-cinnamon mixture and apples.
Roll and Cut
Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 even rolls. Place in a greased baking dish.
Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Glaze
While the rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven!
Nutritional Benefits
While Apple Cinnamon Rolls are undeniably a treat, they can also be enjoyed without guilt by incorporating healthier ingredients. For instance, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour can add fiber, which is beneficial for digestion. Moreover, choosing less sugar or experimenting with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can make these rolls a more wholesome option.
The apples in the filling bring additional nutritional benefits. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to your overall well-being. Adding in fresh fruit not only enhances the flavor profile but also provides essential nutrients that can balance your indulgence.
Customization Ideas
One of the best aspects of baking is the ability to customize recipes to suit your personal preferences. For these Apple Cinnamon Rolls, you can easily adapt the filling by introducing nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for an added crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also complement the sweetness of the apples beautifully.
If you prefer a twist on the glaze, consider using cream cheese in place of standard icing. This will give the rolls a tangy flavor that contrasts well with the sweetness of the cinnamon and apples. Experimenting with spices such as nutmeg or allspice in both the filling and dough can also create exciting variations that will impress your family and friends.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls in advance, refrigerate them, and bake them fresh in the morning.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Warm, fluffy, and packed with sweet cinnamon and juicy apple filling, these Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. Drizzled with a creamy glaze, they're not only a delightful treat for the holiday but also a comforting and delicious way to celebrate the season. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, these rolls will have your family asking for seconds!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Artisan Bakery Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 rolls
What You'll Need
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a small bowl, warm the milk until it is lukewarm. Add the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in another bowl.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter, and sprinkle with the sugar-cinnamon mixture and apples.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 even rolls. Place in a greased baking dish.
Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg