Apple Cinnamon Rolls 🥰
Recipe:
DOUGH
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 top active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
CINNAMON SUGAR FILLING
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tosp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 small apples, peeled and findly diced
Melt 1/2-stick unsalted butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl in the microwave. Pour into a medium size bowl and set aside.
Heat milk in the same small microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for 45 seconds and pour in the bowl with the melted butter.
**Pro tip: use a digital thermometer to check that the temperature of the milk/butter is between 100-110 degrees F.
Stir in sugar and yeast until dissolved. Cover with a tea cloth/towel or plastic wrap and let sit for 10 minutes until bubbly.
Remove towel and add in 1 egg, salt, and vanilla extract.
Slowly add in flour in 1/2 cup increments, folding in with a spatula until combined. May need to mix with hands. Dough should be tacky but not sticky.
Form dough into a round ball in the bowl and cover with a tea cloth. Place in warm space to proof for 10 minutes.
While dough is proofing, begin preparing cinnamon sugar filling. In a medium size mixing bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until combined. Set aside.
Once dough has proofed for 10 minutes, remove towel and place dough on a large pastry mat or a clean, lightly greased or floured surface to roll out. Use a rolling pin and roll the dough to form a 14" x 18" rectangle and 1/4" thick.
Next, begin preheating oven to 350 degrees and use an offset spatula to spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture on your dough almost to the edges. Top with apples.
Cut into 12 equal strips and roll each strip tightly into classic cinnamon roll shape.
Place cinnamon rolls in a 9×13 baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls are a light golden brown.
Let cool for 10 minutes on a wire cooling rack. And top with cream cheese frosting! #cinnamonroll #baking #autumn #sweets #yummy
If you’re looking to elevate your homemade apple cinnamon rolls, consider a few additional tips to perfect your baking experience. First, using fresh apples that are slightly tart, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, enhances the balance between sweet and tangy flavors in the filling. Dicing the apples finely ensures they cook thoroughly inside the rolls while keeping a nice texture. When proofing the dough, aim for a warm, draft-free environment – an oven with just the light on or a warm sunny spot works wonderfully. This helps the yeast activate fully and results in a light, fluffy dough. For those without a digital thermometer, test the milk temperature by feeling it on your wrist; it should feel warm but not hot. Incorporating a touch of vanilla extract into both the dough and the cinnamon sugar filling heightens the aroma and richness, adding subtle complexity to your rolls. When spreading the cinnamon sugar butter, leave a small gap at the edges to prevent the filling from spilling over during baking. After rolling and cutting your cinnamon rolls, allow them to rise again briefly before baking; this final rise will contribute to an even softer texture. For an even more indulgent twist, drizzle a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla on top once the rolls have cooled slightly. Baking these apple cinnamon rolls not only fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma but makes a perfect cozy treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, especially during autumn. Enjoy experimenting with the recipe and making it your own by adding nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth. This simple yet comforting recipe invites creativity and makes homemade baking a rewarding experience.
