Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Apple cinnamon rolls are a classic treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of apples. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser that you can enjoy at breakfast, as a snack, or even for dessert. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make soft and fluffy apple cinnamon rolls at home, from gathering the ingredients to baking and serving them.

Why Apple Cinnamon Rolls?

Cinnamon rolls are a staple in many households, but adding apples brings a fresh twist to the traditional recipe. The apples add a layer of flavor and moisture that makes the rolls even more delicious. Plus, the combination of cinnamon and apples is a classic pairing that just works. Whether you’re making these rolls for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, they’re sure to be a hit.

The Ingredients

Before you start baking, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.

• Flour: The base of our dough, all-purpose flour gives the rolls their structure.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is used in the dough, while brown sugar is used in the filling to add depth of flavor.
• Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the dough rise, making it light and fluffy.
• Milk: Warm milk adds moisture to the dough, helping to create that soft texture.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is used in both the dough and the filling for richness.
• Egg: An egg adds structure and helps bind the dough together.
• Apples: Fresh apples are the star of the filling, adding sweetness and moisture.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and flavor to the rolls.
• Cream Cheese: Used in the glaze, cream cheese adds a tangy sweetness that complements the spiced apples.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Making apple cinnamon rolls involves a few steps, but each one is straightforward. Let’s break it down:

1. Prepare the Dough

The dough is the foundation of your cinnamon rolls, so it’s important to get it right. Start by mixing your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, yeast, and salt—in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and an egg. Make sure your milk is warm, but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

Kneading the dough is an important step because it helps develop the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as this can make the rolls tough.

Once your dough is ready, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. The dough should double in size.

2. Make the Apple Filling

While your dough is rising, you can prepare the apple filling. Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into small pieces. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work well because they hold their shape during baking and have a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

In a medium saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples are tender and the sugar has dissolved. Stir in a little flour to thicken the mixture, then remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

3. Roll Out the Dough and Add the Filling

Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out and add the filling. Start by punching down the dough to release any air bubbles. Then, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.

Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Be sure to distribute the apples evenly so that each roll has a good amount of filling.

4. Roll Up the Dough and Cut the Rolls

Starting from the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices. To use dental floss, slide the floss under the log, bring the ends up and over the log, and pull tight to slice through the dough without squishing it.

Place the rolls cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to leave a little space between the rolls to allow them to rise. Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise for another 45 minutes.

5. Bake the Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising. Once the rolls have doubled in size, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. The smell of cinnamon and apples will fill your kitchen as they bake—one of the best parts of making these rolls!

6. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls are baking, you can prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick but pourable.

7. Glaze the Rolls and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese glaze over the top. The warmth of the rolls will cause the glaze to melt slightly, creating a delicious coating. Serve the rolls warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Making apple cinnamon rolls is a straightforward process, but here are a few tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh yeast, butter, and apples will give you the best results. Check the expiration date on your yeast, as expired yeast can prevent your dough from rising properly.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make your rolls dense. Use a spoon to fluff the flour in the bag, then scoop it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Place: If your kitchen is cool, you can let the dough rise in an oven that’s been warmed to about 100°F and then turned off. Just be sure the oven isn’t too hot, or it could kill the yeast.
• Don’t Overfill the Rolls: While it’s tempting to load up on filling, too much can cause the rolls to burst open during baking. Aim for an even layer that covers the dough without being too thick.
• Use Dental Floss to Cut the Rolls: This method gives you clean slices without squishing the dough. It’s a great trick that makes a big difference in the final appearance of your rolls.
• Don’t Skip the Second Rise: The second rise helps ensure your rolls are light and fluffy. Be patient and let the dough do its thing.

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the great things about making cinnamon rolls is that you can customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas for variations and add-ins:

• Pecans or Walnuts: Add chopped nuts to the filling for a bit of crunch.
• Raisins or Dried Cranberries: For a chewy texture and extra sweetness, sprinkle some dried fruit over the filling before rolling up the dough.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls before adding the glaze for an extra decadent treat.
• Maple Glaze: Replace the cream cheese glaze with a simple maple glaze by mixing powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a bit of milk.

Storing and Reheating

Apple cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can be stored for later enjoyment as well. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storing: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: If you want to make the rolls ahead of time, you can freeze them before baking. After cutting the rolls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise at room temperature, then bake as directed. You can also freeze baked rolls; just let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Reheating: To reheat rolls, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual rolls for about 20-30 seconds.

Conclusion

Making apple cinnamon rolls at home is a rewarding experience that results in a delicious treat for you and your loved ones. The process may take some time, but each step is simple and straightforward. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these rolls are sure to bring smiles to the table.

With the tips and instructions provided in this guide, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of apple cinnamon rolls. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make the recipe your own. Happy baking!

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Print Recipe

A classic treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of apples

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (with rise time)
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x

Ingredients

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For the Dough:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk (add more for a thinner glaze)

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir to combine.
2. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour, ¼ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and the sugar has dissolved.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to thicken the mixture.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

1. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
2. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
3. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
4. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the rolls rise for 45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

4. Bake the Rolls:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
3. Gradually add the milk until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.

6. Glaze and Serve:

1. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese glaze over the top.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

• Author: Lindsey Chastain
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: breakfast
• Method: bake

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