Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Sweet Fall Breakfast Treat

Fluffy, tender, and bursting with warm apple-cinnamon flavor, Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a cozy autumn breakfast everyone will love. This recipe takes classic cinnamon rolls and adds a sweet apple twist, perfect for chilly mornings, brunches, or holiday gatherings.

The rolls are soft, slightly sweet, and perfectly spiced, finished with a silky cream cheese glaze that enhances the fall flavors. With easy-to-follow steps, you can make these rolls from scratch and impress family or guests with a bakery-quality treat.

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Ingredients

Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Let Dough Rise:
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare Filling:
   In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped apple.
4. Roll Out Dough:
   On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the apple-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
5. Form Rolls:
   Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
6. Second Rise:
   Cover rolls with a towel and let rise 30–40 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Prepare Glaze:
   Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
9. Serve:
   Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

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Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Warm Milk: Ensure milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly.
• Even Apple Pieces: Chop apples small to prevent soggy rolls.
• Kneading: Knead enough to develop gluten, giving rolls a soft, fluffy texture.
• Glaze Timing: Glaze while rolls are warm but not piping hot to avoid melting too much.

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Variations

• Caramel Apple Rolls: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over glazed rolls for extra indulgence.
• Nutty Apple Rolls: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil, milk with plant-based milk, and cream cheese glaze with a simple powdered sugar glaze.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with coffee or hot apple cider for a fall breakfast.
• Pair with scrambled eggs or yogurt for a brunch spread.
• Great for gifting in small boxes during holiday season.

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Fun Facts

• Cinnamon rolls date back to 1920s Sweden, known as “Kanelbullar,” and are traditionally enjoyed during fika (coffee break).
• Adding apples to cinnamon rolls is a modern twist that celebrates fall harvest flavors.

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Storage

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: 3–4 days; reheat in microwave or oven.
• Freezer: Wrap in foil; freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat before glazing.

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