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homemade apple cinnamon rolls

Fresh Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Warm, comforting homemade apple cinnamon rolls, filled with sweet apples and cinnamon, and topped with a creamy frosting. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  7. Roll the dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  8. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
  9. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture and diced apples.
  10. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
  11. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  12. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  13. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
  14. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  15. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  16. While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  17. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
  18. Add milk and vanilla extract and beat until light and fluffy.
  19. Let the rolls cool slightly, then frost generously.
  20. Serve warm.

Notes

For a richer flavor, try browning the butter before adding it to the dough and filling.