The Coziest Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Ever

Warm, gooey soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls have a magical way of making kitchens smell like pure comfort.

Sweet aromas drift through home spaces, promising delightful moments ahead.

Crisp autumn apples blend perfectly with rich, warm cinnamon in this irresistible treat.

Pastry lovers understand how a single bite can transport memories to cozy childhood mornings.

Each golden spiral promises a delectable journey of flavors that dance across taste buds.

Delicate layers of dough embrace tender apple chunks, creating a symphony of textures you’ll absolutely adore.

This recipe invites you to craft something truly special that everyone will celebrate.

Prepare to become the hero of breakfast with these incredible rolls that spark joy and connection.

What Makes Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls Special

• Elevate Weekend Baking: Transform your regular baking routine into a delightful culinary adventure with these soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls that promise restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.
• Packed with Layers of Flavor: Combine the warmth of cinnamon, sweetness of apples, and crunch of toasted pecans for a multi-dimensional taste experience that tantalizes every single bite.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by switching nuts, adjusting spice levels, or making the dough ahead of time, perfect for bakers who love flexibility in their kitchen creations.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress family and friends with a homemade treat that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, making any gathering feel extra special.

Apple Cinnamon Roll Ingredient List

• Milk: Lukewarm liquid base for activating yeast.
• Sugar: Sweet ingredient for flavor and yeast activation.
• Yeast: Leavening agent for dough rise.
• Flour: Primary structural ingredient for dough.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer for dough.
• Egg: Binding and enriching ingredient for dough.
• Butter: Rich, creamy ingredient for soft texture.

• Butter: Sautéing fat for apples.
• Apples: Fresh, sweet fruit for filling.
• Sugar: Sweetening ingredient for apple mixture.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice for flavor.
• Salt: Flavor balancer.
• Corn Starch: Thickening agent for filling.

• Butter: Soft, rich base for filling.
• Brown Sugar: Deep, caramel-like sweetener.
• Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer.

• Pecans: Crunchy, nutty topping.
• Cooking Spray: Non-stick surface preparation.

• Butter: Creamy base for frosting.
• Cream Cheese: Tangy, rich frosting component.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweet, smooth ingredient.
• Heavy Cream: Rich, smooth liquid.
• Salt: Flavor balancer.

How to Make Soft-Baked Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate Yeast Mixture

Combine lukewarm milk, a portion of sugar, and yeast in a medium bowl.

Stir gently and let sit until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is alive and ready.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

In a stand mixer with dough hook, blend flour, salt, and remaining sugar.

Pour in milk mixture and egg, mixing on low speed.

Gradually increase speed and incorporate butter piece by piece until dough becomes smooth and silky.

Step 3: Develop Dough

Shape dough into a perfect ball and place in a covered bowl.

Refrigerate for 2 hours or until doubled in size, allowing flavors to develop and gluten to relax.

Step 4: Prepare Apple Filling

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

• Diced apples
• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Cook until apples soften and become tender.

Stir in corn starch to create a thick, glossy filling.

Chill until needed.

Step 5: Toast Pecans

Preheat oven to 350°f.

Spread pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Toast for 10 minutes, shaking occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned.

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Mixture

Blend butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 7: Roll Out Dough

On a floured surface, roll dough into a large rectangle.

Spread cinnamon mixture evenly across the surface.

Step 8: Layer Fillings

Spread apple filling over cinnamon layer.

Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans across the surface.

Step 9: Form Cinnamon Rolls

Roll dough tightly into a spiral log.

Chill for 20 minutes to make cutting easier.

Slice into 6 equal pieces.

Step 10: Final Rise

Place rolls in a prepared baking dish.

Cover and let rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy.

Step 11: Bake Rolls

Bake at 350°f for 35-40 minutes until deep golden brown.

Step 12: Whip Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixer, blend butter and cream cheese.

Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and salt.

Whip until light and fluffy.

Step 13: Finish and Serve

Spread frosting over warm rolls.

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Reheat briefly before enjoying.

Tips for Fluffy Apple Rolls

• Refrigerate brioche dough for at least 2 hours to develop deeper flavor and improve texture, allowing gluten to relax and ingredients to meld perfectly.
• Cook apple filling until slightly thickened with corn starch, ensuring a smooth, not watery consistency that prevents soggy cinnamon rolls.
• Carefully toast pecans at 350°F, shaking occasionally and checking for even browning to enhance their nutty flavor and crisp texture.
• Chill rolled dough logs for 20 minutes before cutting to achieve cleaner, more uniform cinnamon roll slices with minimal filling spillage.
• Spread cream cheese frosting while rolls are slightly warm to allow optimal absorption and create a deliciously creamy topping.

How to Store and Warm Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Store rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
• Keep covered at room temperature for 1-2 days, ensuring they remain moist.
• Warm individual rolls for 10-15 seconds on medium power to restore softness and revive flavors.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Great Pairings for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair Warm Apple Cider: Complement the apple cinnamon rolls with a steaming mug of spiced apple cider, enhancing the dessert's warm, fruity notes.
• Create Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scoop: Top the soft rolls with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, balancing the warm cinnamon with cool, sweet richness.
• Match Caramel Macchiato: Serve alongside a caramel macchiato, whose espresso and caramel undertones perfectly highlight the rolls' sweet and spicy profile.
• Recommend Maple Bourbon Cocktail: For adult gatherings, pair with a maple bourbon cocktail that echoes the rolls' deep, rich flavors and autumnal essence.

Flavor Swaps for Apple Cinnamon Rolls

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace brioche flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the texture remains soft and tender.
• Vegan Option: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, use plant-based butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and create a vegan cream cheese frosting using coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.
• Nutless Alternative: Omit pecans completely or replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch without nuts.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit in the dough and filling, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the apple cinnamon flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why use brioche dough for these apple cinnamon rolls?

Brioche dough creates a richer, softer, and more tender texture compared to traditional bread dough. The high butter and egg content makes the rolls extra luxurious and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

• Can I make the dough and fillings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the brioche dough and apple filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store the dough in the refrigerator and the apple filling in an airtight container. This helps develop deeper flavors and makes the final assembly easier.

• How do I know when the dough has risen properly?

The dough is properly risen when it doubles in size and a gentle poke with your finger leaves a small indentation that slowly springs back. This usually takes about 45-60 minutes in a warm spot or 2 hours in the refrigerator.

• What's the purpose of chilling the rolled log before cutting?

Chilling the dough log for 20 minutes helps firm up the dough, making it easier to cut clean, even slices. This step ensures more uniform and professional-looking cinnamon rolls with precise cuts.

Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Comforting warm soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls bring sweet nostalgia from Midwestern kitchens. Homemade dough swirled with caramelized apples and rich cinnamon creates a delightful morning treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 565 grams (20 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 250 milliliters (8.5 fluid ounces) whole milk, lukewarm
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Sweeteners and Yeast:

• 50 grams (1.75 ounces) granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dried yeast

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the brioche dough by combining lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl, allowing it to foam for 10-15 minutes.
2. In a stand mixer, blend flour, salt, and remaining sugar, then incorporate the milk mixture and egg, mixing on low speed.
3. Gradually add butter while mixing, continuing until the dough becomes smooth and soft, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Shape the dough into a ball, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Create the apple filling by melting butter in a skillet and cooking diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and salt until tender.
6. Sprinkle corn starch over the apple mixture, stirring until thickened, then chill.
7. Toast pecans in a 350°f oven for 10 minutes, checking for even browning, then set aside.
8. Prepare the brown sugar cinnamon filling by mixing butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
9. Roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle, ensuring even edges.
10. Spread the brown sugar cinnamon mixture evenly across the dough’s surface.
11. Layer the prepared apple filling over the cinnamon mixture.
12. Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top of the apple filling.
13. Carefully roll the dough into a tight spiral, starting from the long side.
14. Chill the rolled dough for 20 minutes to facilitate cleaner cutting.
15. Slice the dough log into 12 equal pieces, arranging them in a greased baking dish.
16. Allow rolls to rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy and slightly indented when touched.
17. Bake in a preheated 350°f oven for 35-40 minutes until deep golden brown.
18. Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and salt until light and fluffy.
19. Spread frosting over slightly warm rolls.
20. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container, reheating briefly before serving.

Notes

• Chill the dough overnight for deeper flavor development and easier handling during rolling.
• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty aroma without burning, checking frequently during roasting.
• Use lukewarm milk when activating yeast to ensure proper fermentation and soft dough texture.
• Create uniform rolls by using a ruler and sharp knife for precise, even cutting.

• Prep Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 218
• Sugar: 4.2g
• Sodium: 0.1g
• Fat: 8.3g
• Saturated Fat: 5.0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31.7g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Protein: 4.9g
• Cholesterol: 41mg