Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked apple cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. With their soft, pillowy texture, sweet apple filling, and the rich, creamy decadence of cream cheese frosting, these rolls are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re waking up to a leisurely weekend breakfast, hosting a cozy brunch with friends, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, homemade apple cinnamon rolls are sure to please.

Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in these irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting! Perfectly fluffy and filled with sweet, spiced apples, these rolls are a delightful treat for breakfast or brunch. With simple ingredients like fresh apples, warm dough, and a creamy frosting, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results. Serve them warm for a comforting experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast

½ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup whole milk, warm

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

For the Filling:

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ cup brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.

- Add the eggs and salt to the mixture, then gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.

- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

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

Make the Filling:

- In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.

Roll Out the Dough:

- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 16x12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.

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

Form the Rolls:

- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.

- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a serrated knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Second Rise:

- Place the rolls in a greased pan, leaving a bit of space between them. Cover and let rise a second time for 30-40 minutes.

Bake the Rolls:

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy. If too thick, stir in milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.

Frost the Rolls:

- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.

Serve:

- Enjoy your irresistible apple cinnamon rolls warm for the best flavor experience!

Prep Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 12 rolls