I absolutely love how the Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe turns out every time I make it. There’s just something magical about the combination of soft, pillowy rolls filled with juicy apples and cinnamon, all topped with that rich, nutty brown butter maple icing that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re making these for a special brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the brown butter in the icing added an unexpected depth of flavor, making these cinnamon rolls feel indulgent but still homey. You’ll find that the dough is tender yet sturdy enough to hold just the right amount of filling, and the maple syrup glaze perfectly balances sweetness without overpowering the apple and cinnamon. It’s definitely worth trying if you want to step up your cinnamon roll game!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The apple and cinnamon filling combined with brown butter maple icing creates a deliciously complex taste.
- Soft, Fluffy Texture: The dough rises beautifully, giving you melt-in-your-mouth rolls every time.
- Made From Scratch: It might sound intimidating, but this recipe is surprisingly approachable and rewarding.
- Versatile and Crowd-Friendly: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert to impress family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe is how simple ingredients come together to make something extraordinary. Most of these are pantry staples, and the apples add that fresh, natural sweetness that really punches up the flavor.
- Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and ensures a soft dough.
- Active dry yeast: The magic behind the fluffy, risen rolls.
- Brown sugar: Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness to both dough and filling.
- Salted butter: Use good-quality butter at room temperature for smooth mixing and rich flavor.
- Eggs: Give the dough structure and moisture.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the dough; add more if needed to get the right consistency.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Works alongside brown sugar for the perfect cinnamon sugar filling.
- Cinnamon: Essential spice that makes the rolls smell and taste irresistible.
- Honeycrisp apples: I love using these for their crisp texture and natural sweetness, but any firm apple works well.
- Cream cheese: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the icing, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Maple syrup: Infuses the icing with that authentic, rich maple flavor.
- Powdered sugar: For a smooth, sweet glaze consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the icing.
Variations
I like to tweak this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to customize it to fit your preferences—or what your family loves most.
- Spiced Up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon filling for extra warmth during fall and winter.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly without losing richness.
- Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling gives a nice crunch and depth—my family always asks for this!
- Fruit Variations: Swap the apples for pears or even fresh berries to experiment with flavors and textures.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough
Start by warming your milk—make sure it’s warm but not hot, about body temperature—to help wake up the yeast. Combine it with the yeast and brown sugar in your stand mixer bowl and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice bubbles forming on top; that’s a sign your yeast is active and ready. Then add the softened butter, eggs, most of your flour, and salt. Mix with the dough hook for about 4 to 5 minutes until it looks smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in the additional flour little by little, but try not to add too much or your rolls will be too dense.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set it somewhere warm in your kitchen. I like placing mine near a sunny window or inside an oven with just the light on. Give it about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This first rise is crucial because it develops that fluffy texture we all love in cinnamon rolls.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling and Shape Rolls
While your dough is rising, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Butter your baking dish generously so your rolls won’t stick. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface to about a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread your softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle on the apple pieces and cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll it tightly starting from the long edge closest to you, pinching the edge to seal it. Cut the log into 12 to 15 even slices, and place them in the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise again for 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly to the touch. Keep an eye toward the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning, especially if your oven tends to run hot.
Step 5: Make the Brown Butter Maple Icing
This icing is the real star here. Start by browning the butter in a small pot over medium heat—watch it closely! When it smells toasted and you see a nice golden color with tiny brown specks, take it off the heat (this happens in about 2 to 3 minutes). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Pour the warm brown butter into the icing and whisk until smooth. Spread it generously over your warm cinnamon rolls and get ready for all the compliments.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Brown Butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty richness that transforms simple icing into something extraordinary.
- Let the Dough Rise Twice: Patience here gives you those fluffy layers and a tender crumb every time.
- Use Fresh Apples: I recommend firm apples like Honeycrisp to avoid mushy filling.
- Cut Rolls Carefully: Use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean edges, which helps the rolls keep their shape while baking.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish these apple cinnamon rolls with a light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices with a little drizzle of extra maple syrup for presentation. Sometimes, toasted chopped pecans on top add a nice crunch and look beautiful too. It’s all about making that brown butter maple icing shine while adding just a bit more texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or chai tea to balance the sweetness. For brunch, I like to serve these with fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to round out the meal and keep everyone satisfied but not overly full.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circular baking dish to look like a giant flower—people always love the look! You could also drizzle extra icing right before serving or sprinkle edible gold dust on top for a festive touch at holiday brunches or birthdays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover apple cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them soft longer, storing in the fridge works too, but I recommend warming them slightly before serving to bring back that fresh-baked feel.
Freezing
I’ve found freezing the unbaked rolls right after cutting and placing them in the baking dish works great. Just wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze up to 3 months. When you want them, thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise a bit more, then bake as usual. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings!
Reheating
To reheat, I pop rolls into the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re soft and the icing is slightly melty. This refreshes the rolls and brings back that heavenly fresh-from-the-oven vibe.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
Yes, you can! While Honeycrisp apples are my favorite due to their balance of sweetness and firmness, other firm varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn work well too. Just avoid very soft apples as they can get mushy during baking.
-
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size and look puffed up. A simple test is to press your finger gently into the dough—if the indent stays and doesn’t bounce back, it’s ready for the next step.
-
Can I make the icing ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the brown butter maple icing a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Before using, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whisk to smooth it out again.
-
Is it possible to make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Definitely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand. It takes a bit more effort but works just as well. Just knead until the dough feels smooth and elastic, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines classic comfort with a little touch of elegance thanks to the brown butter and maple syrup. I love sharing these with friends and family—it’s like giving them a warm, sweet moment in every bite. If you’re on the fence about trying your hand at homemade cinnamon rolls, give this recipe a shot. You’ll be so glad you did, and I promise it’s easier and more rewarding than you might expect!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these comforting Apple Cinnamon Rolls topped with a luscious Brown Butter Maple Icing. Soft, fluffy rolls are filled with tender Honeycrisp apples and a warm cinnamon-sugar mixture, then baked to golden perfection. The rich brown butter maple icing adds the perfect sweet, nutty finish to this irresistible treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Apple Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped
Brown Butter Maple Icing
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly on top, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the room temperature butter, eggs, 3 1/2 cups of flour, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, mix for about 4-5 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough starts to form. If the dough remains sticky, gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until it is smooth and no longer sticky to the touch.
- Proof Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour or until it doubles in size, developing airiness and volume.
- Prepare Filling and Pan: While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the filling in a bowl. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Shape Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a large rectangle approximately 12 by 18 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the apple pieces followed by the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal the roll. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12-15 even rolls. Place the rolls snugly in the prepared baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls again with plastic wrap and allow them to rise for an additional 20-30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Brown Butter: While the rolls bake, place the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter browns lightly and gives off a toasted aroma (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Prepare Icing: In a mixing bowl with the room temperature cream cheese, whisk together the browned butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar (2-3 cups depending on desired sweetness and consistency), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Ice and Serve: Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled but still warm, spread the brown butter maple icing generously over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp apples for a sweet-tart flavor and firm texture that holds up well during baking.
- Adjust the powdered sugar in the icing to your preferred sweetness and thickness.
- Ensure the butter for the brown butter icing does not burn; watch closely as it can go from browned to burnt quickly.
- The rolls can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- For softer rolls, cover with a damp cloth during the second rise to prevent drying out.
- Leftover rolls can be frozen before baking; thaw and allow to rise before baking as directed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
