Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and apples, you’ve come to the right place! These Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are not just any rolls; they’re a delightful hug in food form. I love making these gooey rolls for family gatherings or even just a lazy Sunday morning. The combination of tender dough, sweet apple pie filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting makes them irresistible!

What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. You can whip up all the components the night before, and when morning comes, all you have to do is assemble and pop them in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive breakfasts where everyone gathers around the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Each bite is packed with warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and crunchy pecans.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep everything the night before and enjoy fresh rolls in the morning.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love these soft-baked treats!
• Easy to Customize: You can easily make variations based on what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a casual get-together, these rolls fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create these Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Each ingredient plays an important role in making them soft, gooey, and oh-so-delicious!

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 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
• 125g pecan halves

For the Frosting

• 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

Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add raisins or cranberries: Mix in some dried fruit for an extra burst of flavor.
• Switch up the nuts: Use walnuts instead of pecans if that’s what you prefer.
• Try different spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add an interesting twist to the filling.
• Use different fruits: Pears or peaches can also work beautifully in place of apples.

How to Make Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk until it’s lukewarm. Combine it with granulated sugar and yeast in a bowl. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates your yeast, which gives your rolls that lovely rise.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients Together

In a mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with eggs, kosher salt, and flour. Mix until just combined. Then add your softened butter. Knead this dough until smooth—about 5-7 minutes. This helps develop gluten, giving your rolls that perfect soft texture.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about an hour. This rising time allows those light and fluffy rolls to develop!

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While your dough rises, you can make your apple filling! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook until apples soften slightly—this caramelizes their natural sugars and creates delicious flavor.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down your dough gently on a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread your apple filling evenly across the dough followed by sprinkling toasted pecans.

Step 6: Roll It Up

Starting from one long side, roll up your dough tightly into a log shape. Cut into equal pieces—about 12 rolls total—and arrange them in a greased baking dish.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the rolls again with a towel and let them rise until they puff up—about another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures they stay soft when baked.

Step 8: Bake Those Rolls

Preheat your oven while they rise (around 375°F). Bake those beauties for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top! The smell will be heavenly!

Step 9: Make the Frosting

While they cool slightly, whip together softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, whipping cream, and salt for your frosting. Spread it generously over warm rolls—it will melt slightly into every nook!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls with friends or family! They are sure to become everyone’s favorite breakfast treat!

Pro Tips for Making Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Making these Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use lukewarm milk: Ensuring that your milk is lukewarm (not hot) helps activate the yeast properly, leading to a fluffy and well-risen dough.
• Don’t rush the rising: Allow your dough to rise until it doubles in size. This step is crucial as it gives the rolls their soft texture and ensures they are airy.
• Chill the filling: If you prepare the apple filling in advance, let it cool before spreading it onto the dough. This prevents the butter from melting too quickly and helps keep your rolls from becoming soggy.
• Roll tightly: When rolling up your dough, make sure to roll it tightly but not so tight that the filling oozes out. A snug roll helps create distinct layers and ensures all those delicious flavors stay inside.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in your filling or frosting. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or even some vanilla extract can elevate the flavor profile!

How to Serve Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also make for an eye-catching centerpiece at any breakfast or brunch gathering. Here are some ways to serve them that will impress your friends and family.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans: Sprinkle some toasted pecans on top of the cream cheese frosting for added crunch and flavor that complements the rolls beautifully.
• Cinnamon dust: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the top adds a warm aroma and enhances the visual appeal.
• Fresh apple slices: Serve with thin slices of fresh apples on the side for a refreshing contrast that ties into the apple flavor of the rolls.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness to your meal. You can include strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi for a colorful touch alongside your cinnamon rolls.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a healthy side that balances out the sweetness of the rolls while providing some tanginess.
• Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs offer protein-rich goodness that makes this breakfast more complete, complementing the sweetness of your cinnamon rolls.
• Maple Bacon Alternatives: For those seeking something savory, try crispy baked turkey bacon or tempeh bacon as a delightful savory contrast to sweet cinnamon rolls.

Enjoy making these delicious Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls! They’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy fresh and delicious rolls with minimal morning effort. You can prepare components in advance, making them an ideal option for busy days or festive occasions.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the rolls; they will keep well for about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap after cooling.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Remove the desired number of rolls from the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, heat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I make Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), which will work wonderfully in this recipe.

How can I tell if my Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when they’re fully baked.

What type of apples work best for Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls?

For these rolls, it’s best to use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape during baking and provide a great contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon filling.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just make sure they’re chopped appropriately!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls as much as I do! They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience filled with warmth and comfort that brings everyone together. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a delightful dessert, these rolls are sure to please. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!