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Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) rapid-rise yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, divided
  • 1 medium tart apple, peeled and diced small
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 to 3 tbsp milk or cream

Method
 

  1. Combine flour, yeast, granulated sugar, and salt in a stand mixer bowl. Add warm milk, 3 tbsp melted butter, and egg. Knead with dough hook on medium for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth. Cover and rest 10 minutes.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 2 tbsp melted butter, diced apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon for 4 to 5 minutes until apples soften. Let cool.
  3. Roll dough into a 15x12-inch rectangle. Brush with remaining 2 tbsp melted butter, spread cooled apple mixture evenly, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge.
  4. Roll up tightly from the long side, pinch seam, slice into 12 pieces. Place in greased 9x13-inch dish, cover, and let rise 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) toward the end of the rise.
  5. Bake 22 to 25 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in dough comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes.
  6. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tbsp milk until smooth. Thin with extra milk if needed, then spread over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

The total time does not include the 30-minute rise, so plan for about 1 hour 10 minutes from start to finish. For the fluffiest texture, use milk warmed to exactly 110°F and don’t let the shaped rolls rise much beyond 30 minutes, or the apples can get soggy.