Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These apple cinnamon rolls are a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures. The fluffy brioche dough provides a rich, soft base, while the apple pie filling adds a fruity, sweet contrast to the spiced cinnamon filling. The toasted pecans give each bite a delightful crunch, and the cream cheese frosting adds a creamy finish to balance the sweetness. Perfect for mornings, gatherings, or holiday breakfasts, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Brioche Dough:

• 250g whole milk, lukewarm

• 50g granulated sugar

• 2 ¼ tsp active dried yeast

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• 565g all-purpose flour

• 100g unsalted butter, at room temperature

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 850g (about four medium apples), peeled, cored, and diced small

• 30g unsalted butter

• 80g granulated sugar

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp kosher salt

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch

For the Toasted Pecans:

• 125g pecan halves

For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling:

• 190g unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 280g brown sugar

• 2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ⅛ tsp kosher salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 115g unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 225g cream cheese, at room temperature

• 250g powdered sugar, sifted

• 1-2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream

• ½ tsp kosher salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Brioche Dough:

   • In a medium-sized bowl, combine lukewarm milk, 25g of the sugar, and the yeast. Stir to combine and let sit for 10-15 minutes until foamy.

   • Add the eggs, salt, and remaining sugar to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

   • Gradually add the softened butter, kneading until fully incorporated. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:

   • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften.

   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the apple mixture and cook for another 2 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

3. Toast the Pecans:

   • Place the pecan halves in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.

4. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:

   • In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and creamy.

5. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll the brioche dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the brown sugar cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

   • Evenly distribute the apple pie filling and toasted pecans over the cinnamon filling. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log and slice it into 12 equal pieces.

   • Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for about 30-45 minutes.

6. Bake the Rolls:

   • Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

   • Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and salt, beating until fluffy.

8. Frost and Serve:

   • Once the rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the rolls. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls

• Prep Time: 1 hour

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes plus rising time

Variations

• Substitute Nuts: If you don’t like pecans, you can use walnuts or skip the nuts altogether.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter, milk, and cream cheese substitutes for a dairy-free version.

• Add Dried Fruit: Try adding some dried cranberries or raisins to the filling for extra sweetness and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, allow the rolls to come to room temperature before baking.

2. Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the rolls after they have been assembled but before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

3. What kind of apples should I use?

Use firm apples that hold their shape well when cooking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples.

4. Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?

You can skip the frosting if you prefer, or substitute it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

5. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out clean.

6. Can I make this recipe without yeast?

Unfortunately, this recipe relies on yeast to create the soft, fluffy texture of the dough. A non-yeast dough wouldn’t yield the same results.

7. How can I make the dough rise faster?

If you’re short on time, you can place the dough in a warm area, such as an oven with just the light on, to encourage quicker rising.

8. Can I make the dough in a bread machine?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to make the brioche dough. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and rising dough.

9. How can I adjust the sweetness of the rolls?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the dough, filling, or frosting according to your taste.

10. How do I keep the rolls soft after baking?

To keep your cinnamon rolls soft, cover them with a damp towel while they cool, or store them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These Soft-Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect combination of sweet, spiced, and rich flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or as a comforting weekend treat, they are sure to impress. The dough is soft and pillowy, the filling is gooey and flavorful, and the cream cheese frosting ties it all together for a truly indulgent experience.

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