Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery of dreams with these irresistible Cinnamon Rolls with Apple! Imagine biting into a warm, soft roll where the sweet aroma of cinnamon meets the tender crunch of fresh apples, all topped with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth icing. These aren't just any cinnamon rolls - they're a magical morning treat that will have your family rushing to the breakfast table and your neighbors peeking over the fence, wondering what incredible scent is wafting through the neighborhood.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until it is warm but not boiling (about 110°F or 43°C). Remove from heat and stir in the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture once it is frothy.
- Mix the ingredients together until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it is manageable.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples and brown sugar. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the apple and brown sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of milk in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Tips
- Yeast Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is warm (around 110°F), not hot, to activate the yeast correctly without killing it.
- Dough Consistency is Key: Add flour gradually if the dough feels too sticky. A smooth, elastic dough will give you the softest rolls.
- Rising Environment: Place your dough in a warm, draft-free area for optimal rising. A slightly warmed oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works perfectly.
- Apple Prep: Dice apples uniformly to ensure even distribution and consistent baking.
- Cutting Hack: Use unflavored dental floss to cut perfect, clean roll slices without squishing the dough.
- Icing Consistency: Add milk to powdered sugar slowly to control thickness - you want a drizzle, not a flood!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
