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
Units
Scale
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
