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Best Apple Cinnamon Rolls | Easy, Fluffy, & Flavorful Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 129 reviews

These Best Apple Cinnamon Rolls are fluffy, flavorful, and easy to make from scratch. Soft bread dough is filled with a spiced apple butter filling, rolled into perfect spirals, and baked to golden perfection. Each bite offers a delicious blend of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a tender, airy roll – ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 2/3 cups bread flour
  • 1/4 cup bread flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

For the Apple Filling:

  • 1 2/3 cups diced Gala apple (peeled and cored)
  • 1/4 cup apple butter
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup warm water, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons instant yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Form Dough: Add 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate 3 2/3 cups bread flour and 1/4 cup bread flour, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-15 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  3. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl, place the kneaded dough inside, turning once to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Prepare Apple Filling: Peel, core, and finely dice 1 2/3 cups Gala apples. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, 1/4 cup apple butter, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons water, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the apples are softened.
  5. Thicken and Cool Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 2 teaspoons cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the apple mixture and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens to a glossy, jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl; let it cool completely to room temperature.
  6. Assemble Rolls: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into an 18×12 inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Evenly spread the cooled apple filling over the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge.
  7. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge opposite the unfilled border, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seam closed to seal. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick.
  8. Second Rise: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Arrange the sliced rolls in the pan with a little space between them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for 30-45 minutes until the rolls have puffed up and are nearly touching.
  9. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) about 15 minutes before the end of the second rise. Remove the cover and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm for best flavor and texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use bread flour for a chewier texture; all-purpose flour can be substituted but may result in softer rolls.
  • Make sure the water used to activate yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • The cornstarch slurry ensures the apple filling thickens properly without becoming watery.
  • Allow filling to cool completely before spreading on dough to prevent melting the dough or activating yeast prematurely.
  • Let rolls rise adequately for a fluffy, airy texture.
  • These rolls are delicious served warm, optionally topped with icing or glaze if desired.

Keywords: Apple cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, apple butter rolls, breakfast rolls, fluffy cinnamon rolls, easy cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/best-apple-cinnamon-rolls-easy-fluffy-and-flavorful-recipe/