Soft Gooey Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Soft Gooey Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Tart Apple Filling
Warm, comforting, and oh-so-delicious, these soft gooey apple cinnamon rolls are a delight that brings a sense of warmth to any breakfast table or afternoon snack. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender dough, filled with a luscious tart apple filling and a swirl of cinnamon sugar. This recipe combines the sweetness of Granny Smith apples with aromatic spices, creating a perfect balance that makes them irresistible. Whether you whip these up for a cozy brunch, a holiday gathering, or just because you deserve a treat, these rolls will surely impress.
What makes this recipe special
You might wonder, what sets these apple cinnamon rolls apart from others? For one, the tartness of the Granny Smith apples adds a unique zing that complements the sweetness. Plus, this recipe’s dough is incredibly versatile, producing rolls that are both soft and chewy. They are not only perfect for weekends but also a great way to kick off a lazy weekday morning with minimal effort.
"I thought I knew what a cinnamon roll tastes like until I tried this recipe. The apple filling was the game-changer!" – A satisfied home baker
Preparing Soft Gooey Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Tart Apple Filling
Making these indulgent rolls might seem daunting, but the process is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll start by preparing the apple filling, then we’ll move on to crafting the rich dough that holds everything together. Each step is important, and don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it!
What you’ll need
To create these heavenly rolls, gather the following ingredients:
-
Apple Filling:
- 4 or 5 large Granny Smith apples (about 800 grams before peeling and chopping)
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons (38 grams) packed dark brown sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons (4 grams) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
-
Cinnamon Roll Dough:
- 5 cups (625 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour (divided)
- 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon (10 grams) active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup (63 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (plus 1 tablespoon for buttering the baking dish)
- 3 large eggs (150 grams, room temperature)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
-
Cinnamon Roll Filling:
- 1-1/2 cups (300 grams) packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 tablespoons (169 grams) unsalted butter (softened to 70-75°F)
-
Icing:
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
- 1-1/2 cups (170 grams) powdered sugar (sifted)
- 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter (softened to 70-75°F)
Feel free to swap Granny Smith apples with other tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn if you prefer!
Step-by-step instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process!
-
Make the Apple Filling: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the peeled and chopped apples along with dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cook until the apples are tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
-
Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, salt, yeast, and granulated sugar. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter until warm (not hot). Mix the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by eggs and the remaining flour, until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth, then let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
-
Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend together dark brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
-
Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon filling mixture, and then layer the apple filling on top.
-
Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into equal-sized rolls. Place the rolls in a buttered baking dish and allow them to rise again until puffed.
-
Bake: Preheat the oven and bake the rolls until golden brown.
-
Make Icing: While the rolls are baking, combine apple cider, powdered sugar, and butter in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle with icing and serve warm!
Best ways to enjoy it
These apple cinnamon rolls can shine on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate your serving experience, consider these options:
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Serve alongside homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch.
- Freshly brewed coffee or spiced apple cider makes a delightful drink pairing!
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your delicious rolls fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, place in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for about 20 seconds before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked rolls in a buttered dish, tightly covered. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let rise before baking. Baked rolls can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just bring to room temperature before enjoying.
Pro chef tips
- Keep your ingredients at room temperature (like eggs and milk) to promote a perfect rise.
- For an extra boost of flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to your icing for more depth.
- Always let the rolls cool slightly before icing; otherwise, it will melt off!
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste:
- Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunch.
- Dried Fruits: Mix in some raisins or dried cranberries for additional texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare these apple cinnamon rolls?
From start to finish, you should budget about 3-4 hours. The rising time alone requires patience, but the delicious outcome is well worth it!
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, refrigerate, and then shape and bake them in the morning.
What if I don’t have apple cider?
If apple cider isn’t available, you can use apple juice or simply increase the amount of milk in the icing for a smooth consistency.
These soft gooey apple cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion and will bring warmth and sweetness to your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the peeled and chopped apples along with dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cook until the apples are tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, salt, yeast, and granulated sugar. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter until warm (not hot). Mix the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by eggs and the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth, then let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- In a mixing bowl, blend together dark brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt for the cinnamon roll filling.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon filling mixture, and then layer the apple filling on top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into equal-sized rolls. Place the rolls in a buttered baking dish and allow them to rise again until puffed.
- Preheat the oven and bake the rolls until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, combine apple cider, powdered sugar, and butter in a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle with icing and serve warm!
