Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Introduction
Apple Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of sweet apples and warm cinnamon in a soft, fluffy dough. Topped with creamy icing, they make a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- Cinnamon roll dough (enough for 8 rolls)
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Cream cheese icing (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spice.
- Step 2: Roll out the cinnamon roll dough and spread the apple mixture evenly over the surface.
- Step 3: Carefully roll up the dough, starting from one edge, and cut into 8 equal rolls.
- Step 4: Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with cream cheese icing.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
- If you prefer a smoother filling, sauté the apples briefly before adding to the dough.
- Try swapping cream cheese icing for a simple vanilla glaze if you want a lighter topping.
Storage
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or warm oven, then add fresh icing if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cinnamon roll dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time. Just follow the package instructions for baking times and temperatures if they differ.
How do I prevent the apples from making the rolls soggy?
Coating the apples with brown sugar and cinnamon helps absorb moisture. Optionally, sautéing the apples briefly before assembling reduces excess moisture and keeps the rolls from getting soggy.
PrintApple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls combine soft, fluffy cinnamon roll dough filled with a sweet and spiced apple mixture, baked to golden perfection and topped with smooth cream cheese icing. A perfect treat for breakfast or dessert that blends classic cinnamon rolls with the warm flavors of apple and cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Dough
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (optional, to mix with filling)
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (to thin)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it bloom for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and gradually stir in the flour. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Make the Apple Filling: Combine the finely chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Optionally, mix in melted butter to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Roll Out and Fill the Dough: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 16×12 inches. Evenly spread the apple cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border at one edge.
- Form the Rolls: Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spaced slightly apart. Cover and allow them to rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing: While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and creamy. Adjust consistency with milk as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle or spread the cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls once they come out of the oven. Serve immediately for the best flavor and gooey texture.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
- If you prefer a smoother filling, you can sauté the apples with butter and sugar until slightly softened before filling.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.
- Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and warmed before serving.
- Rolling the dough tightly ensures well-shaped cinnamon rolls with visible swirls.
Keywords: apple cinnamon rolls, cinnamon roll recipe, apple filling, cream cheese icing, baked breakfast rolls
