Description
Welcome to your new favorite fall baking project! These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and stuffed with tender spiced apples, then topped with a dreamy maple cream cheese frosting. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you crave a warm, gooey treat.
Ingredients
Dough
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3–4¼ cups (405g–570g) all-purpose flour (start with 3 cups)
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2¼ tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast, proofed first)
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1 tsp salt
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¾ cup warm milk *(almond, dairy, or oat milk, 110°F/45°C)*
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½ cup warm water (same temp as milk)
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⅓ cup neutral oil (avocado, vegetable, or melted coconut oil)
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¼ cup maple syrup (or honey/brown sugar)
Filling
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½ cup softened butter (divided, vegan butter works too)
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¾ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
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1 tbsp cinnamon
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Pinch of nutmeg & ginger (optional but cozy!)
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4 apples (peeled & finely diced—Granny Smith + Gala mix ideal)
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⅓ cup water (for cooking apples)
Frosting
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4 oz cream cheese (or mascarpone, softened)
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4 oz softened butter
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3–4 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Dough *(20 mins + 1 hr rise)*
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Activate yeast:Â Whisk warm milk, water, oil, and maple syrup in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit 5 mins until frothy.
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Mix dough: Stir in salt and 3 cups flour. Knead 5–8 mins on a floured surface until smooth (add more flour if sticky).
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First rise:Â Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise 1 hour in a warm spot (until doubled).
2. Cook the Apples (10 mins)
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In a saucepan, simmer diced apples + water for 5–7 mins until soft. Drain all liquid and cool.
3. Assemble Rolls *(15 mins + 30 min rise)*
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Roll dough:Â Punch down risen dough, then roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
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Add filling: Spread ¼ cup softened butter over dough. Mix remaining ¼ cup butter with sugar and spices into a paste; spread evenly. Scatter cooked apples on top.
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Roll & slice:Â Tightly roll from the long edge. Use dental floss to cut into 12 even rolls.
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Second rise: Place rolls in a greased 9×13 dish, cover, and rise 30–40 mins.
4. Bake & Frost (25–30 mins)
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 mins until golden.
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Frosting:Â Beat cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
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Yeast issues? Liquid should be warm but not hot (110°F). No bubbles? Start over.
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Avoid soggy rolls: Drain apples thoroughly and cool before using.
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Make ahead:Â Refrigerate shaped rolls overnight; bake next morning.
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Freeze unbaked:Â Wrap tightly, freeze. Thaw + rise before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 25–30 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 22g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g