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Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Soft and warm Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting combining tender dough, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a luscious tangy frosting. Perfectly balanced sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors make this recipe an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk, lukewarm
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Filling Ingredients

  • 3 medium fresh apples, peeled and finely diced (Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm, then stir in active dry yeast with a pinch of sugar. Let the mixture bloom for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add eggs and softened butter to the dry ingredients, then pour in the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until soft, elastic, and slightly sticky. Cover the dough and allow it to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  2. Make the Apple Cinnamon Filling: While the dough rises, peel and finely dice the apples. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the diced apples and cook for approximately 3 minutes until tender but still holding shape. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely to prevent melting the dough.
  3. Roll Out and Fill: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12 by 16 inches. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough. Lightly sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top. Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
  4. Slice and Proof: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the dough log into 12 even rolls. Place them cut side up in a greased baking pan with space between each roll. Cover lightly and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Watch carefully to avoid over-browning.
  6. Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
  7. Frost and Enjoy: When the rolls have cooled slightly but remain warm, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top so it melts slightly into the crevices. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smooth dough and frosting.
  • Avoid overproofing the dough to prevent dense rolls.
  • Roll the dough tightly to keep the filling inside during baking.
  • Pre-cook apples just until tender to maintain texture without sogginess.
  • Spread frosting on warm rolls for a gooey, melty topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastries, sweet rolls, homemade rolls

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/apple-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-frosting/