Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their gooey texture and warm spices create an irresistible combination that is sure to please your family and friends. With a luscious apple filling, a hint of cinnamon, and topped with creamy frosting, these rolls bring comfort and joy to breakfast or brunch. Plus, you can prepare the components ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy freshly baked rolls in the morning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe allows you to prepare the filling in advance, so you can bake fresh rolls without the stress.
• Deliciously Gooey: The combination of warm apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering filling that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect for Gatherings: These rolls are ideal for holiday breakfasts or as a sweet treat during special occasions.
• Versatile Options: You can easily customize the filling with nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste.
• Beautiful Presentation: The finished rolls look stunning, making them an impressive addition to any table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious process of making these Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading dough effortless, ensuring a smooth and elastic texture for your rolls.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently while keeping your workspace organized.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness when rolling out the dough for uniform baking.
• Baking dish: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls, gather the following 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 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 Cream Cheese 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

Start by warming the milk until lukewarm. In a mixing bowl, combine it with granulated sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Then add eggs and mix well. Gradually incorporate flour and salt into the mixture. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead until smooth.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, kosher salt, and corn starch. Stir until apples soften slightly then set aside to cool.

Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Filling

In another bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt until combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Once dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread cinnamon filling evenly over dough followed by apple filling and toasted pecans. Roll tightly into a log and cut into equal pieces.

Step 6: Bake

Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover them with a cloth again while they rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and kosher salt until smooth.

Step 8: Frost & Serve

Once rolls are cool enough to handle but still warm, spread frosting generously over each roll before serving. Enjoy these Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls fresh!

How to Serve Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, serving these rolls with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience.

With Coffee

• Freshly brewed coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the rolls. A strong cup balances the flavors and adds a cozy touch to your morning.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce enhances the gooey texture and brings an extra layer of sweetness that complements the apple filling beautifully.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft rolls. It’s an excellent choice for a dessert twist.

Alongside Fresh Fruit

• Serve your cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit like berries or slices of orange. The bright flavors will add freshness to each bite.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• For a decadent dessert, serve warm cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey rolls.

How to Perfect Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving the perfect soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls takes careful attention and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out amazing every time.

• Use lukewarm milk – This helps activate the yeast properly, leading to a fluffy dough.
• Knead well – Kneading develops gluten, giving your rolls their soft structure. Aim for about 8-10 minutes of kneading.
• Allow proper rising time – Letting the dough rise until it doubles in size is crucial for achieving that soft texture.
• Don’t skip the butter – Generously using room temperature butter in both the dough and filling adds flavor and moisture.
• Cool before frosting – Allowing your rolls to cool slightly before adding frosting prevents it from melting away and ensures it stays creamy on top.

Best Side Dishes for Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Adding side dishes can create a well-rounded meal when serving soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls. Here are some great ideas:

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
3. Savory Quiche – A slice of quiche introduces savory elements that complement the sweet rolls beautifully.
4. Sautéed Spinach – Lightly sautéed spinach provides nutrients and color, making for a balanced plate.
5. Cheese Platter – Offering assorted cheeses can enhance flavors and create an attractive spread alongside your rolls.
6. Maple Bacon Turkey Sausage – For those looking for protein, turkey sausage brings savory notes without overpowering the cinnamon sweetness.
7. Cinnamon-Spiced Oatmeal – A bowl of oatmeal infused with spices echoes flavors found in your cinnamon rolls while adding heartiness.
8. Hot Chocolate – For an indulgent touch, serve warm hot chocolate; its richness pairs well with sweet treats like cinnamon rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the yeast proofing: Not allowing the yeast to activate can result in dense rolls. Always proof your yeast first to ensure it’s alive and bubbly.
• Measuring flour incorrectly: Using too much flour will make your dough dry. Use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can hinder the dough’s rise. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
• Overbaking the rolls: Baking them too long will lead to dry rolls. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking; they should be golden brown but still soft.
• Ignoring resting times: Skipping the resting periods can produce tough rolls. Allow enough time for the dough to rise and relax for optimal texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on high for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls unique?

Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls stand out due to their gooey apple filling and sweet cinnamon flavor, providing a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, allowing you to assemble and bake them fresh in the morning.

How do I know when my cinnamon rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and feel soft when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Can I use different nuts in my Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! While pecans add great flavor, you can substitute walnuts or almonds based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are not just delicious; they offer endless possibilities for customization. You can experiment with different fruits or nuts to suit your taste. Ideal for any occasion, these gooey treats are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a go!

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Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful sweet treat that brings warmth and comfort to any breakfast or brunch table. With their gooey apple filling, fragrant cinnamon, and luscious cream cheese frosting, these rolls are perfect for sharing with family and friends. The preparation can be split into manageable steps, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked rolls without the morning rush. Customizable to suit your taste preferences, they can also be made ahead of time for added convenience. Whether served warm with coffee or drizzled in caramel sauce, these rolls are sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Warm the milk and mix with sugar and yeast; let froth.
2. Combine eggs, flour, and salt; knead until smooth.
3. Allow dough to rise until doubled.
4. Prepare apple filling by cooking diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch.
5. Make cinnamon filling by mixing butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Roll out dough, layer with fillings, roll tightly, and cut into pieces.
7. Let rolls rise again before baking at 350°F (180°C) until golden brown.
8. Prepare frosting by mixing cream cheese with butter and powdered sugar.
9. Frost warm rolls before serving.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll (100g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg