Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Warm, soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat to indulge in at any time of the day. With a fluffy brioche dough and a sweet apple filling complemented by the scent of cinnamon, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. The addition of creamy frosting makes them a delightful dessert or a sweet breakfast option. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious recipe!
Why Make This Recipe?
Soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. They have a fluffy texture, a sweet and tangy apple filling, and a rich brown sugar cinnamon swirl. These rolls are perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion. Plus, the smell that fills your kitchen while baking is simply irresistible. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or warmed up later on, these rolls promise satisfaction in every bite.
How to Make Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Follow this simple step-by-step guide for delicious soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
- 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 cornstarch
- 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
Directions
- Prepare the brioche dough: In a bowl, combine lukewarm milk and sugar. Add the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the wet ingredients: Whisk in the eggs and salt. Gradually add flour, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Add softened butter and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, around 1 hour.
- Make the apple filling: In a pan, melt 30g of butter and sauté the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and salt until soft. Stir in cornstarch and allow to cool.
- Prepare the brown sugar cinnamon filling: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Toast the pecans: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the brown sugar filling evenly.
- Add the apple filling and pecans: Scatter the apple mixture and toasted pecans over the filling.
- Roll and cut the dough: Roll the dough tightly, then slice into individual rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish.
- Second rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting: Whisk together the cream cheese, remaining butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and salt until smooth.
- Frost and serve: Spread frosting over the warm rolls before serving.
How to Serve Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls can be enjoyed warm, drizzled with cream cheese frosting. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate breakfast treat. For special occasions, you can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
How to Store Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Store your rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Just thaw and warm them before serving.
Tips to Make Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Let your dough rise in a warm area to ensure it doubles in size.
- Be gentle when rolling and cutting the dough to keep it fluffy.
- Customize the filling by adding dried fruits or variations of nuts according to your preference.
Variations
You can substitute different fruits for the apples, such as pears or peaches. For a nut-free version, simply leave out the pecans. Additionally, try using flavored cream cheese, like vanilla or maple, for the frosting.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and bake in the morning.
2. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center of one roll should come out clean.
3. Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! If you want to save time, you can use store-bought dough and follow the same filling and frosting instructions.
Now that you know how to make soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade rolls fresh from the oven.
Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 250 g whole milk, lukewarm
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dried yeast
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 565 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
For the Apple Filling
- 850 g (about four medium) apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
- 30 g unsalted butter
- 80 g granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling
- 125 g pecan halves
- 190 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 280 g brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 115 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 225 g cream cheese, at room temperature
- 250 g powdered sugar, sifted
- 1-2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
Preparation of Dough
- In a bowl, combine lukewarm milk and sugar. Add the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Whisk in the eggs and salt. Gradually add flour, stirring until a dough forms.
- Add softened butter and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, around 1 hour.
Make the Apple Filling
- In a pan, melt 30g of butter and sauté the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and salt until soft. Stir in cornstarch and allow to cool.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Toast the Pecans
- Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
Assembly
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the brown sugar filling evenly.
- Scatter the apple mixture and toasted pecans over the filling.
- Roll the dough tightly, then slice into individual rolls. Place them in a greased baking dish.
Final Rise and Baking
- Cover the rolls and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Whisk together the cream cheese, remaining butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and salt until smooth.
Serve
- Spread frosting over the warm rolls before serving.
