Go Back
To make the best apple cinnamon rolls, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup buttermilk - 1 cup apples, peeled and chopped (preferably Granny Smith) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) - 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze) Each ingredient plays a key role in making your rolls soft and fluffy. The flour provides structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Salt enhances all the flavors. Baking powder and baking soda give the rolls lift. Butter and buttermilk make them rich and moist. Apples bring natural sweetness and a nice texture, while cinnamon and nutmeg offer warmth. The glaze adds a sweet finish. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan. This helps prevent sticking. 2. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Whisk until blended. 3. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl. Include 1/4 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of buttermilk. Mix until a soft dough forms. 4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 1 minute. You want it smooth and soft. 1. Roll the dough into a rectangle. Aim for about 12x8 inches and 1/4 inch thick. This shape helps with even filling. 2. Prepare the apple and spice filling in a small bowl. Mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Sprinkle this mix evenly over the rolled-out dough. 3. Spread the chopped apples across the dough. Use 1 cup of peeled and chopped apples for the best flavor. 4. Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice it into 1-inch pieces, creating perfect rolls. 1. Place the rolls upright in the prepared baking pan. This helps them rise nicely. 2. Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30 minutes. This step is key for soft and fluffy rolls. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check for a golden brown color. This indicates they are ready. Kneading is key to soft, fluffy rolls. It helps develop gluten. This gives the dough strength and structure. Knead the dough for about one minute. It should feel smooth and elastic. To check if it's ready, poke it with your finger. If it springs back, it’s good to go. If it stays dented, knead a bit more. Choosing the right apple makes a big difference. I love using Granny Smith apples. They add a nice tartness. You can also try Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness. For extra texture, add nuts like walnuts or pecans. Raisins or dried cranberries can also bring more flavor. Mix your choices to create a delicious filling. A smooth glaze makes your rolls shine. Mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. The best time to apply the glaze is when the rolls are warm. This helps the glaze soak in and create a delicious finish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith, which hold their shape well during baking. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients come together. Overworking the dough can lead to tough rolls, so knead gently. Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until you achieve a drizzle-able consistency, perfect for coating the rolls. Let Them Rise: Allow the rolls to rise in a warm place. This helps them become fluffy and light, enhancing the overall texture. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your apple cinnamon rolls in fun ways. Here are two great ideas: - Caramel apple cinnamon rolls: Add caramel sauce to your filling. Mix it with the apples for a sweet surprise. - Maple pecan apple cinnamon rolls: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup. Add chopped pecans for a crunchy twist. These additions make each bite special and unique. If you need to change the recipe for diets, you have options. - Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour mix. Make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture. - Vegan options: Substitute butter with coconut oil. Use almond or soy milk instead of buttermilk. This keeps the rolls tasty and friendly for all. You can enjoy these rolls no matter your diet! Changing up flavors with the seasons makes these rolls even better. - Incorporating seasonal spices: Try adding pumpkin spice in fall. In winter, nutmeg and ginger give warmth. - Holiday-themed variations: For Christmas, mix in dried cranberries. Easter can have a hint of lemon zest for freshness. These fun ideas keep your apple cinnamon rolls exciting all year round! To keep your apple cinnamon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to save them longer, consider refrigerating them. Just make sure to seal them well. For long-term storage, you can freeze apple cinnamon rolls. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as you can. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, reheat the rolls from frozen. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This restores their soft, fluffy texture. Apple cinnamon rolls last about two days at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, they can last up to a week. However, freezing them is best for longer storage. They stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying them again. Can I make apple cinnamon rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day early. After you knead it, wrap it tightly and place it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let it warm up before rolling it out. This saves time and gives you soft rolls. What type of apples are best for this recipe? Granny Smith apples work best. They are tart and hold their shape well when baked. You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter touch. Can I use pre-made dough for these rolls? Absolutely! Pre-made dough can save you time. Just roll it out, add the filling, and follow the rest of the steps. This makes your baking much easier. What to do if the rolls don’t rise? Check your yeast or baking powder. They must be fresh. If your kitchen is cold, let the rolls rise in a warm spot. You can place them in the oven with just the light on to help them rise. Why are my rolls dry or crumbly? Too much flour can cause dryness. Make sure to measure accurately. Adding more buttermilk can help create a softer dough. You want it moist but not sticky. How can I make my rolls softer? Knead your dough properly and avoid overbaking. Use room temperature butter and buttermilk for better texture. You can also add an extra egg for richness. You learned how to make delicious apple cinnamon rolls step by step. We covered all the ingredients, preparation, baking, and ways to enhance flavors. With tips for perfect dough and storage, you can enjoy these treats anytime. Whether you want to try new flavors or make dietary changes, there are options for you. Remember to have fun and experiment in the kitchen. Enjoy your fresh apple cinnamon rolls!

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious rolls filled with apples and cinnamon, topped with a sweet glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.75 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup apples, peeled and chopped (preferably Granny Smith)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
  • Add in the softened butter and buttermilk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 1 minute until smooth.
  • Roll the dough into a rectangle, approximately 12x8 inches, about 1/4 inch thick.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
  • Spread the chopped apples evenly over the sugar and spice mixture.
  • Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice it into 1-inch pieces.
  • Place the rolls upright in the prepared baking pan. Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • While the rolls are baking, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth to create the glaze.
  • Once the rolls are done, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze on top.

Notes

Serve warm on a rustic wooden board, drizzled with glaze and garnished with cinnamon and apple slices.
Keyword apple, cinnamon, dessert, rolls