Description

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls recipe combines soft, fluffy dough with a sweet and spiced apple filling, topped with a luscious cream cheese and maple syrup icing. These homemade rolls feature tender pieces of Honeycrisp apples with their skins on for added texture, creating a perfect balance of cinnamon sweetness and fresh fruit flavor. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, making each roll incredibly moist and rich, ideal for a comforting breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

1 cup (240ml) warm milk
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon brown sugar (for dough)
4 tablespoons (57g) salted butter, softened (for dough)
3 large eggs
3 1/2 – 4 cups (420-480g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Filling Ingredients

6 tablespoons (85g) salted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
Cinnamon (to taste, about 1-2 tablespoons)
2 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled if desired but recommended to keep skin on, diced

Icing Ingredients

4 tablespoons (57g) salted butter
1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup
6 ounces (170g) cream cheese
1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2–3 cups (240-360g) powdered sugar
Pinch of kosher salt

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Instructions

Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine 1 cup warm milk, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is bubbly on top, indicating the yeast is activated and alive.
Make Dough: Add 4 tablespoons softened butter, 3 eggs, 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with the dough hook until all flour is incorporated and dough is smooth and slightly sticky, about 4-5 minutes. Adjust flour as needed for texture.
First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. If slow, move to a warmer area for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel.
Prepare Filling: While dough rises, mix 6 tablespoons softened butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Peel (optional) and dice Honeycrisp apples, then combine with the filling mixture to coat evenly.
Roll Out Dough: Punch down risen dough and roll onto a floured surface into a thin rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread Filling: Evenly spread the apple cinnamon filling over the dough surface in a thin layer.
Form Rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough into a tight log, pressing edges to seal and prevent filling from spilling.
Slice and Second Rise: Slice the log into 12 equal 1½-inch thick rolls. Place rolls in a greased baking dish spaced slightly apart. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 30 minutes until puffy.
Bake Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and aromatic.
Prepare Icing: While baking, melt butter and brown it lightly. Mix in maple syrup, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth and drizzle-able.
Ice and Serve: Drizzle warm icing over rolls immediately when out of oven. Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Leaving the skins on the Honeycrisp apples adds nice texture to the filling.
Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
If dough is too sticky when mixing, add flour a little at a time to achieve the right texture.
Use a sharp knife to slice rolls evenly without squishing them.
Serve the cinnamon rolls warm for the best flavor and soft texture.
Maple syrup in the icing gives a lovely natural sweetness and pairs well with the apple cinnamon flavor.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American