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Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

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Delightful rolls filled with spiced apples and cream cheese icing, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

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  • 250g whole milk, lukewarm
  • 50g granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dried yeast
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 565g all-purpose flour
  • 100g unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 850g apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
  • 30g unsalted butter
  • 80g granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp corn starch
  • 125g pecan halves
  • 190g unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 280g brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp plus 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt
  • 115g unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 225g cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 250g powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1–2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and 50g granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it’s frothy. Then, whisk in the eggs and salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
  2. Knead to perfection: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Add 100g of room temperature butter—use your hands to combine until fully incorporated. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  3. Create the apple filling: While the dough rises, prepare your apple filling. In a pan, melt 30g of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, 80g granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and corn starch. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are softened. Remove from heat and stir in the pecan halves. Let cool.
  4. Assemble the cinnamon filling: In another bowl, combine 280g brown sugar, 2 tbsp plus 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp kosher salt; set aside.
  5. Shape the rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down, and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Spread the remaining 115g butter generously over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly across the top.
  6. Add the apple filling: Evenly distribute the apple filling over the brown sugar layer. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the ends and seam to secure.
  7. Cut into rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.
  8. Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the rolls have risen, bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Make the cream cheese icing: While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a bowl, beat together 225g room temperature cream cheese, 190g unsalted butter, 250g sifted powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp heavy whipping cream, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt until smooth and creamy.
  10. Glaze the rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the cream cheese icing generously over the top. Let the icing set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a twist, add nutmeg or drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://ameliasweets.com/2026/03/24/soft-baked-apple-cinnamon-rolls/

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