Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that combines fluffy dough, sweet apples, and fragrant cinnamon. This recipe captures the essence of comfort food, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert. With gooey caramelized apples and a rich cream cheese frosting, these rolls are sure to please your family and friends.
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Why You’ll Love This Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls offer a warm, homemade feel that’s hard to resist. The combination of tender dough, spiced apples, and nuts creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save them for a special brunch. Plus, they’re simple to make, ensuring that even novice bakers can succeed!
How to Make Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 250g whole milk, lukewarm
- 50g granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dried yeast
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 565g all-purpose flour
- 100g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 850g (about four medium) apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
- 30g unsalted butter
- 80g granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 125g pecan halves
- 190g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 280g brown sugar
- 2 tbsp plus 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 115g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 225g cream cheese, at room temperature
- 250g powdered sugar, sifted
- 1-2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Brioche Dough
- In a bowl, mix the lukewarm milk and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until the dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Incorporate the room-temperature butter into the dough until fully absorbed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled, about 1–2 hours.
Apple Filling
- Melt 30g butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples soften. Sprinkle with cornstarch and stir until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
Toasted Pecans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet.
- Toast in the oven for about 10 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Roll out the brioche dough into a large rectangle (about 14×22 inches).
- Spread the remaining unsalted butter evenly across the dough.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the buttered dough, followed by the apple filling and toasted pecans.
Assembly
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
- Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for an additional 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls rise.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
How to Serve Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls are best served warm. Drizzle with cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness. Pair them with a hot beverage like coffee or tea for a delicious breakfast experience. They also make an excellent dessert option at gatherings.
How to Store Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
To store leftover rolls, allow them to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Tips to Make Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls Perfect
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour during kneading.
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow the dough sufficient time to rise, creating fluffy rolls.
- Fill Generously: Don’t skimp on the apple filling; more filling means more flavor.
Flavor Variations
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans for a nut-free version.
- Spiced Apples: Add nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth in the apple filling.
- Frosting Alternatives: Consider adding a maple glaze instead of cream cheese frosting for a unique twist.
Pro Tips for Success
- Temperature Check: When combining ingredients, check their temperature to promote yeast activation.
- Avoid Overworking Dough: Knead just enough until the dough is smooth; overworking can lead to dense rolls.
- Experiment with Apples: Different apple varieties (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) can change flavor profiles.
FAQs About Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
How can I make these rolls lighter?
To make lighter rolls, incorporate more air into the dough by kneading it well and allowing it to rise fully. The yeast will help create a fluffy texture.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before. Assemble the rolls and place them in the fridge for an overnight rise. Bake them fresh in the morning.
What type of apples work best?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal, as they hold their shape during baking and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Final Thoughts
Soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat you can enjoy at any time. They are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a favorite for breakfast or dessert. Whether you are baking for your family or hosting friends, these rolls are sure to impress and satisfy every craving for sweet, cinnamon goodness. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the lukewarm milk and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast and let it sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until the dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
- Incorporate the room-temperature butter into the dough until fully absorbed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled, about 1–2 hours.
- Melt 30g butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples soften. Sprinkle with cornstarch and stir until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet.
- Toast in the oven for about 10 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Roll out the brioche dough into a large rectangle (about 14×22 inches).
- Spread the remaining unsalted butter evenly across the dough.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the buttered dough, followed by the apple filling and toasted pecans.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
- Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for an additional 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls rise.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
