My first experience making Apple Cinnamon Rolls started with a visit to a local apple orchard in Thamesville, Ontario. I wanted to make something special for my family for Thanksgiving that incorporated apples. I came across this wonderfully decadent (AND easy) recipe from Half Baked Harvest (halfbakedharvest.com).
Notes
- The rise a lot quicker and easier than it states.
- You don’t need to make as much frosting as it calls for 3. You can use a larger baking vessel
- You don’t have to pinch the bottom of the dough
- You can add other items in the filled ie. Raisins YES raisins!, walnuts etc.
- Cut them smaller than called for because the EXPAND!
Recipe
Cinnamon Rolls
1 Cup Warm Milk
2 ¼ Tsp Active Dry Yeast
1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
4 Tbsp Salted Butter, Room Temperature
3 Large Eggs
3 ½ – 4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
½ Tsp Kosher Salt
Apple Filling
½ Cup Brown Sugar
¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
1 Tbsp Cinnamon
6 Tbsp Salted Butter, Room Temperature
2 Apples Of Your Choice, Peeled & Chopped
¼ Cup Raisins, Walnuts OR Both
Brown Butter Maple Icing
2 Tbsp salted butter, Room Temperature
6 Oz Cream Cheese, Room Temperature
¼ Cup Maple Syrup
2 Cups Powdered Sugar
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit 5 – 10 minutes, until bubbly on top. Add the butter, eggs, 3 1/2 Cups Flour, and Salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is completely incorporated, about 4 – 5 minutes. If the dough is still sticky, add the additional 1/2 Cup Flour, adding more as needed until the dough is smooth to touch.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, mix the filling. In a bowl, combine the Brown Sugar, Sugar, and Cinnamon. Butter a 9″ × 13″ baking dish.
- Punch the dough down and roll out onto a lightly floured surface, creating a large rectangle about 12″ x 18″ inches. Spread the butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle on the Apples and Cinnamon Sugar. Starting with the long edge closest to you, roll the dough into a log, keeping it tight as you go. When you reach the edge, pinch along the edge to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 – 15 rolls. Place the rolls into the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 20 – 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, make the icing. Add the butter to a pot set over medium heat. Allow the butter to brown lightly until it smells toasted, about 2 – 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. To a bowl with the Cream Cheese in it, whisk in the Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla, and a pinch of Salt. Spread the icing over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!