There’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls filling your kitchen. These warm, gooey rolls are made with a rich brioche dough, layered with a cinnamon brown sugar filling, topped with a homemade apple pie filling, and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday mornings or a cozy weekend breakfast, these Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of autumn flavors in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just indulging in a delicious treat, these rolls are bound to impress.
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Why Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls Are a Must-Try
These Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are not only irresistibly delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. The brioche dough, with its buttery, soft texture, pairs beautifully with the spiced apple filling and the crunchy toasted pecans. The ability to prepare most of the components ahead of time makes it a fantastic choice for busy mornings. Plus, the addition of cream cheese frosting takes these rolls from good to extraordinary, giving them that rich, tangy finish that everyone loves.
Ingredients for Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
To create these scrumptious Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
- Brioche Dough: The base of the rolls, providing a soft and buttery texture.
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling: A classic blend of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, bringing warmth and sweetness.
- Apple Pie Filling: Fresh apples cooked in sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch for a thick, flavorful filling.
- Toasted Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor (optional, but recommended).
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The rich, creamy topping that completes the cinnamon rolls.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions for Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Dough Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute the brioche dough with a simple yeast dough or even use store-bought dough for a quicker option.
- Nuts Substitution: If you’re allergic to pecans or simply don’t like nuts, you can omit them entirely or swap for another type of nut like walnuts or almonds.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and vegan cream cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Prepare the Brioche Dough: In a large bowl, mix lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast, allowing the mixture to become foamy. Combine this with eggs, salt, and flour, then knead in the butter until smooth. Let the dough rise in the fridge for at least two hours, or overnight.
- Cook the Apple Filling: In a skillet, melt butter and add diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook until the apples are tender, then stir in cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Let it cool.
- Toast the Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and toast the pecans for 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Chop them into smaller pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and salt in a bowl to form a paste for spreading on the dough.
- Roll and Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, then add the apple filling and toasted pecans. Roll up the dough tightly, cut into individual rolls, and let them rise for 45 minutes.
- Bake the Cinnamon Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the rolls for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Frost and Serve: Once the rolls are slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top while they are still warm, allowing it to melt into the rolls.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Prevent Over-Baking: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the rolls; 190°F (90°C) is the sweet spot for doneness.
- Chill the Dough for Easier Handling: If the dough is too sticky or hard to work with, chill it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to cut and roll.
- Keep the Rolls Gooey: For maximum gooeyness, don’t skip the cream cheese frosting. Apply it while the rolls are still warm for that melty, irresistible effect.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are perfect on their own, but they can be paired with a variety of sides and drinks. Consider serving them with a cup of hot coffee or freshly brewed chai tea for a cozy, comforting breakfast. For a savory contrast, pair them with scrambled eggs or a light salad for balance. You can also tweak the recipe to fit dietary preferences, such as making them gluten-free or adding a dash of nutmeg for a spicier flavor.
Health Benefits and Seasonal Appeal of Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect fall treat, capturing the essence of the season with the use of fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon. While they’re a delicious indulgence, apples provide fiber and antioxidants, and cinnamon is known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. By making the components ahead of time, you can reduce the morning stress and enjoy a homemade breakfast that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Conclusion
Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of comforting flavors and textures. From the soft and buttery brioche dough to the gooey apple pie filling, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday brunch, a special breakfast, or simply as a weekend treat, the combination of cinnamon, apples, and cream cheese frosting creates a memorable experience with every bite. With the option to prep components ahead of time, this recipe offers convenience without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy this delicious treat and elevate your breakfast routine with these irresistible Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare most components the night before. The brioche dough, apple filling, and toasted pecans can all be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. On the morning of serving, simply assemble the rolls, let them rise, bake, and add the cream cheese frosting. This makes the recipe perfect for busy mornings, especially around the holidays.
2. Can I use a different type of dough for the rolls?
Absolutely! While the brioche dough provides a rich and soft texture, you can use a traditional yeast dough or even a store-bought dough if you’re short on time. Keep in mind that different dough types may alter the texture of the final product, but they’ll still result in delicious rolls.
3. Are the pecans necessary in the recipe?
Pecans are optional in this recipe, but they add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the soft cinnamon rolls and sweet apple filling. If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer a nut-free version, feel free to skip them.
4. How do I store leftover Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them for longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. Reheat the rolls in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their gooey texture before serving.
More Relevant Recipes
- Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: These muffins combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and apple, topped with a delicious streusel that adds a sweet, crunchy texture. A perfect fall breakfast or snack that pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or tea.
- Apple Crumble Cheesecake: This dessert takes the classic apple crumble to the next level by pairing it with a creamy cheesecake base. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of cinnamon and apples in a rich and indulgent treat, perfect for autumn gatherings.
- Apple Cider Cookies: These soft, spiced cookies are infused with apple cider, offering a warm, comforting flavor perfect for the fall season. With their chewy texture and subtle cinnamon kick, they make for a delightful dessert or snack during the cooler months.
Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 3 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent, sweet treat featuring rich brioche dough, a cinnamon brown sugar filling, a spiced apple pie filling, and a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or cozy weekends, these rolls are soft, gooey, and filled with comforting autumn flavors.
Ingredients
- 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
- 850g apples (about four medium apples), peeled, cored, and diced
- 30g Unsalted Butter (for apple filling)
- 80g Granulated Sugar (for apple filling)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for apple filling)
- ¼ tsp Kosher salt (for apple filling)
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (for apple filling)
- 125g Pecan Halves (optional, for toasted pecans)
- 190g Unsalted Butter (for cinnamon filling)
- 280g Brown Sugar (for cinnamon filling)
- 2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for cinnamon filling)
- ⅛ tsp Kosher salt (for cinnamon filling)
- 115g Unsalted Butter (for cream cheese frosting)
- 225g Cream Cheese (for cream cheese frosting)
- 250g Powdered Sugar (for cream cheese frosting)
- 1-2 Tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream (for cream cheese frosting)
- ½ tsp kosher salt (for cream cheese frosting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brioche Dough. Mix lukewarm milk, granulated sugar, and active dried yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 10-15 minutes until foamy. Combine the flour, kosher salt, eggs, and milk-yeast mixture in a stand mixer. Knead in softened butter until dough is smooth. Let rise in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Make the Apple Filling. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for 3-5 minutes until apples are tender. Stir in cornstarch, cook until the mixture thickens. Let cool.
- Toast the Pecans. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Chop and set aside.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Filling. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to form a paste. Set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll into a 24” x 16” rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough. Add the apple filling and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
- Shape the Rolls. Roll up the dough tightly, then slice into rolls. Place the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, cover, and let them rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Bake the Rolls. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before adding the cream cheese frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting. Whip together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and salt, and whip until fluffy.
- Frost the Rolls. Spread the cream cheese frosting on the slightly cooled rolls, allowing it to melt into the gooey cinnamon center. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, allow the dough to rise in the fridge overnight for easier handling.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the toasted pecans.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it for 10-15 minutes to firm up before rolling.
- These rolls can be made ahead of time by preparing the dough, filling, and frosting the night before. Assemble and bake in the morning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg