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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 cup apples, peeled and diced (such as Granny Smith) - 1 tablespoon cinnamon - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 4 oz cream cheese, softened - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency) Each ingredient plays a key role. The flour gives the rolls their structure. Sugar adds sweetness. Instant yeast makes the dough rise and become fluffy. Salt enhances all the flavors. For the wet mix, warm milk activates the yeast. Melted butter adds richness. The egg helps bind everything together. The apple filling brings in the star of the show. Diced apples provide freshness and texture. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and spice. Brown sugar adds a nice caramel-like flavor. The cream cheese frosting is the perfect finish. Cream cheese and butter create a smooth base. Powdered sugar sweetens it up. Vanilla extract adds depth, while milk adjusts the thickness. With these ingredients, you're set to make truly irresistible apple cinnamon rolls! {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well. - In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and the egg. - Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the dry mix. Stir until it forms a dough. - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic. - Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot. Wait about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. - While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix diced apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Set this aside for later. - Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12x18 inches. - Evenly spread the apple filling over the rolled-out dough. - Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. - Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these rolls in a greased baking dish. - Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap. Let them rise for another 30 minutes. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. - In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. - Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy. Add milk if needed for the right thickness. - Use all-purpose flour for a light and fluffy roll. - Make sure your milk is warm. It helps the yeast grow. - Add chopped nuts for a nice crunch. - Try using different apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for extra sweetness. - Add milk slowly to reach the right thickness for your frosting. - Mix in a pinch of cinnamon for a fun twist. A splash of citrus can brighten the flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for tart apples like Granny Smith. They hold up well during baking and complement the sweetness of the rolls. Don’t Skip the Rising Time: Letting the dough rise properly is crucial for fluffy rolls. Ensure your kitchen is warm, or place the dough in a slightly warmed oven to help it rise. Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your cream cheese frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Store Properly: To keep the rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. {{image_2}} You can make these rolls healthier with simple swaps. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds fiber and nutrients. For sugar, consider using coconut sugar or honey. These options can lower the glycemic index. You can also cut the sugar in the filling by half. The apples will still offer natural sweetness. Want to make your rolls even more special? You can add caramel to the apple filling. Just drizzle some melted caramel over the apples before rolling. You can also mix in nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. These add a lovely texture and flavor contrast to the soft rolls. While cream cheese frosting is classic, you have fun choices! Try a vanilla frosting for a lighter touch. Mix powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract for a simple blend. You can also try maple frosting. Just add pure maple syrup to your cream cheese base. This gives a warm, rich flavor that pairs well with apples. To keep your baked apple cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you leave them at room temperature, they stay good for up to two days. For longer storage, place the rolls in the fridge. They will last about a week this way. Just make sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up. This helps keep the rolls soft and tasty. You can freeze apple cinnamon rolls before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cut the rolls and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. To bake, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the baking instructions. If you freeze them after baking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. To reheat your rolls without losing their soft, fluffy texture, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer, you can also use the microwave. Just warm them for 15-20 seconds. For a touch of extra flavor, drizzle a little melted butter over them before reheating. Apple cinnamon rolls last about three days when stored at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just warm them up before eating for the best taste. Yes, you can use store-bought dough. It saves time and works well. Look for a dough that is for cinnamon rolls or pizza. This option is great when you want to skip some steps. Granny Smith apples are a top choice. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. Mixing two types of apples can give great taste and texture. You can make the dough a day ahead. Just prepare the dough and let it rise. After that, store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. If your cream cheese frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar. This will thicken it up nicely. If it's too thick, add a little milk to reach your desired consistency. Adjust slowly to get it just right. In this post, I shared a simple recipe for delicious apple cinnamon rolls. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to make the perfect dough and filling. I also gave ideas for variations and proper storage. Making these rolls is rewarding and fun. Enjoying them fresh out of the oven is worth the effort. Happy baking!

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Delicious cinnamon rolls filled with diced apples and topped with creamy frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup apples, peeled and diced (such as Granny Smith)
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and the egg.
  • Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
  • Slowly add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • While the dough rises, prepare the filling: in a bowl, mix together the diced apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches).
  • Spread the apple filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
  • Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
  • Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
  • Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Add milk as needed for desired consistency.
  • Once the rolls are baked, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling with the cream cheese frosting.

Notes

For best results, use fresh Granny Smith apples.
Keyword apple, baking, cinnamon rolls, dessert