Introduction

There’s something uniquely comforting about waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. These soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls blend sweet apples with warm spices, creating a treat that's perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The gooey filling and fluffy dough are an irresistible combination.

Imagine rolling out dough and filling it with tender apple pieces seasoned with cinnamon and sugar, then baking it until golden brown. Once you frost them with a rich glaze, you'll find it hard to resist a second helping. Perfect for family brunches or cozy weekend gatherings, these rolls offer a delightful taste of homemade goodness.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
Flour is the backbone of your cinnamon rolls, providing structure and body. All-purpose flour has a moderate protein content that gives the rolls just the right amount of chew while still remaining fluffy.
1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
Instant yeast helps the dough rise quickly, creating a light and airy texture. It's crucial for getting those pillowy soft rolls, allowing the dough to ferment and develop flavor without long waiting times.
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Sugar not only sweetens the rolls but also helps to create a tender dough. It feeds the yeast during the rising process, helping the rolls puff up perfectly as they bake.
1 teaspoon salt
Salt is essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the overall taste of the rolls. It also strengthens the gluten in the dough, giving structure to the rolls while they bake.
1 1/2 cups whole milk
Whole milk adds richness to the dough, contributing to a soft and moist texture. It helps to nourish the yeast, leading to a better rise and fluffiness in the final product.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Butter not only adds flavor but also enriches the dough, creating a tender crumb. The fat content allows the rolls to remain soft while baking and contributes to that delightful buttery taste.
1 large egg
Eggs provide structure and stability to the dough, while also adding moisture and richness. They act as a binding agent, ensuring everything holds together perfectly.
2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
Fresh apples add natural sweetness and moisture to your rolls. They bring a burst of flavor and a pleasant texture contrast that complements the soft dough and fragrant cinnamon filling.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon contributes that quintessential warm spice flavor that makes these rolls so comforting. Its aromatic qualities elevate the overall taste and make these rolls irresistibly fragrant.
1/2 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar enhances the sweetness and adds a hint of caramel flavor to the filling. It melts beautifully in the oven, creating a gooey and scrumptious texture that binds the apple filling together.
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Powdered sugar is used to create a smooth, sweet glaze that finishes off the cinnamon rolls perfectly. It adds both flavor and a glossy appearance that makes the rolls look as delightful as they taste.
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
The additional milk in the glaze ensures it reaches the right consistency for drizzling over the warm rolls. This will help create that lovely drizzle effect that enhances the overall presentation.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Combine dry ingredients.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. This creates a uniformly mixed base for your dough, ensuring that the yeast is evenly distributed. A proper mixture of dry ingredients is crucial for uniform rise and flavor in your rolls.

Step 2: Heat milk and butter.

In a saucepan, warm the milk until it's just about to simmer, then remove it from heat and stir in the melted butter. This process helps create a warm environment for the yeast, promoting effective activation. The warm milk and butter mixture will add flavor and moisture to your dough.

Step 3: Mix wet and dry ingredients.

Pour the warm milk mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Next, add the egg and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. This phase is important for achieving the right dough consistency and ensuring all ingredients are well integrated before kneading.

Step 4: Knead the dough.

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Proper kneading develops the gluten, which is key for achieving soft yet structured rolls. If the dough sticks, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid over-flouring to keep the rolls tender.

Step 5: Let the dough rise.

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour. This resting period allows the yeast to ferment and bubble up, making the dough airy and light, which is vital for achieving fluffy rolls.

Step 6: Prepare the filling.

While the dough rises, peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The filling should be juicy and aromatic, giving the rolls an enticing flavor and moisture during baking.

Step 7: Roll out the dough.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This step is crucial for ensuring the dough has a consistent thickness, which leads to even baking and a satisfying texture throughout the rolls.

Step 8: Fill and roll the dough.

Spread the apple filling evenly over the rolled-out dough leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly into a log. This process not only adds flavor but also creates layers, resulting in beautifully swirled rolls once baked.

Step 9: Slice the rolls.

Cut the rolled dough into 1-1.5 inch thick pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Make sure to place them close together without squashing, as they will expand during baking. This spacing allows for a wonderful puffy rise, leading to delightful, merging rolls.

Step 10: Second rise.

Cover the baking dish with a clean cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes. This final rise enhances the rolls' fluffiness, ensuring a soft bite. Ensure they're in a warm, non-drafty area for the best results.

Step 11: Bake the rolls.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown. Proper baking ensures that all moisture evaporates, leaving you with tender, fluffy rolls full of flavor. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 12: Glaze the rolls.

While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. This finishing touch adds sweetness and a beautiful sheen, making each roll irresistible and complete.

Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls step photo

Choosing the Right Apples

Selecting the best apples for your rolls is key to balancing sweetness and tartness. Varieties like Granny Smith offer a pleasing tartness that complements the cinnamon, while Honeycrisp brings a crisp sweetness. Mixing different types can create a complex flavor profile, enhancing the overall enjoyment of each soft-baked bite.

Texture Technique: Kneading vs. Mixing

Kneading is a pivotal step that stabilizes the dough’s structure as it activates gluten. While mixing integrates ingredients, kneading transforms your dough into something that can hold air, resulting in the pillowy softness you desire. Be sure not to skip this step; it directly influences the rolls' density and final texture.

Serve Fresh for Maximum Enjoyment

Though these rolls can be enjoyed at room temperature, serving them warm emphasizes their gooey filling and soft texture. A quick 10 seconds in the microwave can revive any leftovers, bringing back the deliciousness reminiscent of freshly baked rolls. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for an ideal afternoon treat.

FAQs

What if my apple filling is too wet?

If your apple filling is too watery, consider adding a small spoonful of cornstarch to the mixture, which will help absorb extra moisture. You might also experiment with a different apple variety that holds up better when baked.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients. Just be sure to use a larger mixing bowl for combining everything and adjust the baking time if using a bigger dish. Each batch still needs individual attention for proper rising and baking.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little bit of flour into the bowl gradually as you knead it. Be cautious not to add too much at once; the goal is to maintain a soft texture without making the dough overly dry.

How can I know if my rolls are overcooked?

Overcooked rolls will appear dark and crusty on top and may feel firm rather than soft when pressed. Always aim for a light golden brown color, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean but not dry.

What if I want more cinnamon flavor?

If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the amount in the filling to 1.5 tablespoons. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the glaze for an extra kick of spice.

What’s the best way to slice the dough for even rolls?

Using a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the rolled dough will create clean cuts, which helps in maintaining the spiral shape. A sawing motion with a serrated knife can also reduce tearing.

Conclusion

Soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls are more than just a treat; they're an experience that can brighten any morning or snack time. Each bite envelops you in warmth, thanks to the combination of cinnamon and tender apples, inviting you back for more.

Baking these rolls at home is an excellent way to create warmth and joy in your kitchen, filling your space with enticing aromas. Whether enjoying them with family or as a quiet treat for yourself, these rolls will surely become a beloved recipe.

Recipe Card

Print Pin