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In the realm of baking, few treats evoke the warmth and nostalgia of homemade apple cinnamon rolls. These delightful rolls combine the sweetness of apples with the comforting aroma of cinnamon, making them a perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch table. The gentle swirl of tender dough enveloping a luscious filling of spiced apples creates a sensory experience that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether served fresh out of the oven with a drizzle of creamy frosting or enjoyed the next day as a delightful snack, apple cinnamon rolls are a beloved classic that never goes out of style.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the warmth of homemade apple cinnamon rolls, a delightful comfort food that perfectly marries sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon. This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through crafting soft, fluffy rolls with a spiced apple filling and creamy glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the cozy aroma and rich flavors that invite loved ones to gather around the table.
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Ingredients
  

For the dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup whole milk, warmed

1/2 cup water, warmed

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

For the filling:

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the frosting:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the warmed milk, warmed water, and melted butter. Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, along with the eggs. Mix until it forms a dough.

      Knead the Dough:

        Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

          Prepare the Filling:

            In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and walnuts (if using). Set aside.

              Roll Out the Dough:

                Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (approximately 16x24 inches). Ensure it's about 1/4 inch thick.

                  Assemble the Rolls:

                    Spread the filling mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal pieces.

                      Second Rise:

                        Place the cut rolls into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with the towel and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes until puffed up.

                          Bake the Rolls:

                            Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.

                              Make the Frosting:

                                While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth. Adjust the consistency if necessary by adding more milk or powdered sugar.

                                  Frost the Rolls:

                                    Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the frosting over the top.

                                      Serve and Enjoy:

                                        Serve warm and enjoy the deliciously gooey apple cinnamon rolls with a cup of coffee or tea!

                                          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 2 hours | 12 servings