Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll that's not just ordinary, but packed with juicy apple chunks and topped with decadent cream cheese frosting. These aren't your grandma's traditional rolls - these are a next-level breakfast sensation that will transform your morning from mundane to magical! With a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors, these homemade rolls are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and active dry yeast. Mix well and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, warm the milk and butter together until the butter is just melted. The temperature should be around 110-115°F (43-46°C). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Pour the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the apple filling. In a small bowl, mix chopped apples, remaining sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12x9 inches.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly across the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving some space between each roll. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Apples and Cream Cheese Frosting!
Tips
- Yeast Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is precisely between 110-115°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand and push, fold, and turn repeatedly for the best texture.
- Rising Environment: Place your dough in a warm, draft-free area like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on.
- Cutting Hack: Use unflavored dental floss to slice rolls cleanly without squishing the dough - slide it underneath and cross the ends for perfect cuts.
- Frosting Tip: Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting completely, maintaining a beautiful, creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
