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Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 15 reviews

Delight in these soft and gooey Apple Cinnamon Rolls featuring a homemade apple pie filling layered within a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl. Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting blended with apple butter, these rolls offer a perfect balance of fruity and spiced flavors. Ideal for a comforting breakfast or a special treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Pie Filling

  • 1 2/3 cups diced Gala apple (about 200 g)
  • 1/4 cup apple butter (65 g)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (30 g)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons water (for slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Tangzhong

  • 3/4 cup water (155 g)
  • 1/4 cup bread flour (32 g)

Cinnamon Roll Dough

  • 3 2/3 cups bread flour (485 g)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (66 g)
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast (approx. 7 g)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature (78 g)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream, room temperature (78 g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature (about 55 g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Tangzhong, prepared from above
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (84 g)

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113 g)
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed (133 g)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (56 g)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (57 g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (115 g)
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream (37 g)
  • 2 tablespoons apple butter (30 g)

Instructions

  1. Make the Apple Filling: In a pot over medium heat, combine diced Gala apples, apple butter, granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Cook for 12-13 minutes until the mixture becomes jammy with some apple chunks remaining. In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons water with cornstarch, then stir into the apple mixture. Cook for 1 more minute until thickened. Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
  2. Prepare the Tangzhong: In a small pot, whisk together water and bread flour. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly for 4-5 minutes until thick and paste-like. Scrape into a bowl and set aside to cool.
  3. Mix Dough Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add whole milk, heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and the prepared tangzhong. Knead on low speed with a dough hook for 2-3 minutes until a rough dough forms.
  4. Add Butter and Knead: With the mixer running on low speed, add softened unsalted butter one tablespoon at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Continue kneading for an additional 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. First Dough Rest: Remove the dough, shape it into a smooth ball by folding the edges underneath. Place it seam-side down in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a bowl, combine unsalted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.
  7. Shape the Rolls: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the rested dough into a 15×21 inch rectangle with the longest side facing you. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the top. Then gently spread the cooled apple pie filling over the cinnamon sugar in the same manner.
  8. Cut and Roll: Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into twelve 1 3/4-inch strips. Roll each strip away from you tightly and place each roll in the prepared pan.
  9. Second Rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 325°F (162 °C) during the last 30 minutes of rising.
  10. Bake the Rolls: Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature of center rolls reaches 185°F. Remove and allow to cool slightly while preparing frosting.
  11. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Whisk in heavy cream and apple butter until creamy and spreadable.
  12. Frost and Serve: Spoon the frosting over warm rolls, swirl in extra apple butter if desired. Enjoy the rolls warm for best texture.

Notes

  • Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method or kitchen scale to avoid dense dough.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in microwave or oven before serving.
  • Yeast amount equals approximately 7 grams for 2 teaspoons of instant yeast.
  • Use room temperature dairy ingredients for optimal dough texture.
  • Ensure dough rises fully for light, fluffy cinnamon rolls.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, apple butter cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastries

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