Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, from cozy fall mornings to festive gatherings. These rolls feature a soft, pillowy dough filled with a sweet apple-cinnamon mixture and topped with creamy frosting. Their irresistible gooeyness and warm spices make them a favorite among family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and apples creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the components in advance, allowing you to assemble the rolls quickly in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or even as a sweet snack throughout the day.
• Gooey Texture: These rolls are soft-baked to perfection, ensuring every bite is indulgent and satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With 12 servings, they’re ideal for sharing at holiday gatherings or family get-togethers.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing dough, ensuring it’s well combined without overworking it.
• Mixing bowls: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients and allows for easy separation of different components.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly to achieve the perfect thickness for filling.
• Baking sheet: Essential for evenly baking your cinnamon rolls without sticking to surfaces.

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• 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

For the Apple Filling

• 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

For the Cinnamon Roll Filling

• 125g pecan halves
• 190g unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 280g brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt

For the Frosting

• 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

How to Make Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine lukewarm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit until frothy (about 5-10 minutes).
2. In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour and salt. Mix in the yeast mixture along with eggs and softened butter.
3. Knead the dough on low speed until it becomes smooth (about 5 minutes). Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and corn starch.
2. Cook until apples are tender (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle (approximately 16×12 inches).
2. Spread softened butter over the dough evenly.
3. Mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, pecans, and salt together; sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough.
4. Spoon cooled apple filling evenly over the filling mixture.

Step 4: Roll & Cut

1. Starting from one long side of the rectangle, roll up tightly into a log.
2. Cut into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

1. Place cut rolls in a greased baking dish; cover and let rise again until doubled (about 30-45 minutes).
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) while rolls are rising.
3. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing; then add heavy whipping cream to achieve desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost & Serve

Once baked rolls have cooled slightly, spread frosting generously on top before serving warm.

Enjoy these Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for any occasion, offering a warm and gooey treat that everyone will love. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

For Breakfast

• Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Pair with fresh fruit like berries or banana slices to balance the flavors.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy alongside a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite tea for a cozy afternoon break.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of your beverage for a delightful aroma.

As a Dessert

• Top with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that combines hot and cold elements.
• Garnish with caramel sauce and chopped pecans for an indulgent finish.

For Special Occasions

• Present on a beautiful platter at gatherings, adorned with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
• Offer as part of a brunch spread, accompanied by other pastries and breakfast items.

How to Perfect Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Perfecting your Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls can take your baking skills to the next level. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use lukewarm milk: This activates the yeast effectively, ensuring the rolls rise properly.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size for fluffy rolls.
• Be gentle when rolling: Roll out the dough carefully to maintain its airiness, which contributes to softness.
• Check doneness: Bake until golden brown; underbaking can lead to gummy centers while overbaking makes them dry.
• Let cool slightly before frosting: This allows the frosting to melt into the rolls without becoming too runny.

Best Side Dishes for Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for added texture and nutrition.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and make for a balanced breakfast.
4. Sausage Links: Savory sausage offers a hearty contrast to the sweet rolls; turkey sausage is a great option.
5. Smoothie Bowl: A thick, fruity smoothie topped with nuts and seeds complements the richness of the rolls.
6. Oatmeal: Warm oatmeal topped with apples and cinnamon ties in beautifully with the roll flavors while adding fiber.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few tips to help you avoid them.

• Not using lukewarm milk – Using milk that is too hot or too cold can kill the yeast. Ensure your milk is lukewarm to activate the yeast properly.
• Overworking the dough – Kneading the dough too much can lead to tough rolls. Mix until just combined and let it rise gently for the best texture.
• Skipping the second rise – This step is crucial for fluffy rolls. Allow the dough to rise again after shaping it, giving it time to develop flavor and texture.
• Cutting uneven pieces – Cutting rolls of different sizes can lead to uneven baking. Use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts of equal size.
• Not chilling the frosting – Frosting made with cream cheese can be runny if not chilled. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before spreading on warm rolls.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil; heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Place one roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop – Use a non-stick skillet over low heat; cover and heat for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls.

How do I make Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls healthier?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like maple syrup.

Can I use other fruits in my Soft-Baked Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or berries, adjusting the sugar based on their sweetness.

What is the best way to store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.

How long do Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls take to make?

The total time is around 2 hours including preparation, rising, and baking.

Final Thoughts

Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their gooey apple filling combined with rich cinnamon flavor makes them irresistible. Plus, they can be customized with different nuts or fruits based on your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delicious rolls fresh from your kitchen!