Description

Imagine a chilly morning, the aroma of warm cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen, and the comfort of a soft, sweet roll melting in your mouth. Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Icing are perfect for cozy breakfasts, weekend brunches, or a special family gathering. Inspired by the classic cinnamon roll and enhanced with tender apple pieces, this recipe brings warmth, sweetness, and joy to every bite. Whether for a holiday, brunch, or simple indulgence, these rolls are a treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

2 large apples, peeled and finely chopped
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually incorporate flour and salt until a sticky dough forms.
Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or 5–6 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Mix chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and softened butter in a medium bowl.
Roll dough into a 16 x 12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread the apple-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around edges.
Roll the dough into a log from one long edge. Cut into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
While baking, whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth for the icing. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
Remove rolls from oven and cool slightly. Drizzle icing over warm rolls.
Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Use firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
For a make-ahead version, prepare the rolls to the second rise and refrigerate overnight.
Brush melted butter on tops before baking for extra softness.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or cream cheese to the icing for richer flavor.
Freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat as needed.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes