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Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
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These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, gooey pastries that combine the warm spice of cinnamon, the sweet tang of fresh apples, and rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls feature tender, airy dough filled with a flavorful apple-cinnamon mixture and topped with luscious frosting for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling

  • 2 medium fresh apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely diced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1–2 tbsp whole milk (optional, to adjust consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm. Dissolve the active dry yeast and a pinch of granulated sugar in the milk, letting it bloom until foamy (5-7 minutes). In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Knead until a soft, elastic dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  2. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, peel and finely dice the apples. In a bowl, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir to evenly coat the apples with the mixture.
  3. Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 16 by 12 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter generously over the surface of the dough. Evenly scatter the apple-cinnamon filling on top. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
  4. Second Rise and Bake: Place the rolls cut side up into a greased baking dish, leaving space between them. Cover and let rise another 30 to 45 minutes until puffed and fluffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of milk if needed to reach desired spreadable consistency.
  6. Frost and Serve: Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Notes

  • Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not skip the second rise after assembling the rolls to keep them soft and airy.
  • Use dairy and eggs at room temperature to help the dough mix smoothly.
  • Roll the dough tightly to keep the filling inside and create neat swirls.
  • Spread frosting while rolls are still slightly warm to achieve a glossy, melty finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, breakfast rolls, cinnamon rolls, apple pastry

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/apple-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-frosting/