Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of homemade apple cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting. This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh apples, aromatic spices, and a rich, creamy topping that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat, these rolls are a delightful way to celebrate any occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, providing tips and insights along the way to ensure that your apple cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time.

Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the heavenly flavors of these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting! Perfect for any occasion, this recipe features soft, fluffy dough filled with juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and nutmeg, all topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Making these rolls is easier than you think! With a prep time of just an hour and a total of 2 hours, you’ll have a delicious treat to share with friends and family. Get ready to impress everyone with these irresistible rolls!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

½ cup warm milk (110°F)

⅓ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

For the Filling:

2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

¾ cup brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. In another bowl, mix melted butter and eggs.

- Add the yeast mixture and the butter-egg mixture to the flour. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

- In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. If you’re using nuts, mix them in as well.

Roll Out the Dough:

- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 16x24 inch rectangle on a floured surface.

- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the apple filling mixture across the top.

Form the Rolls:

- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Rolls:

- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

- In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined. Add milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Frost and Serve:

- Once the rolls are baked, let them cool for 10 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.

- Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of apple and cinnamon in these irresistible rolls!

Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 2 hours (including rise times) | Servings: 12 rolls