Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Your Ultimate Fall Baking Guide

There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of fall, and what better way to celebrate the season than with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls? Imagine waking up on a crisp autumn morning to the scent of sweet apples, fragrant cinnamon, and soft, buttery dough wafting through your home. These delightful rolls are more than just a breakfast; they’re an experience, a moment of cozy indulgence that captures the very essence of fall.

While making them does require a bit of love and a little preparation time, the effort is undeniably rewarding. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat, perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special brunch with family and friends. Beyond the incredible taste, the bonus is an intoxicating aroma that will make your house smell absolutely incredible. It’s the kind of scent you wish you could bottle—a perfect autumn candle, a warm hug in the air.

Embark on a culinary journey that promises both delicious results and cherished memories. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your apple cinnamon rolls are perfectly golden, wonderfully soft, and bursting with apple-cinnamon goodness. Get ready to impress your taste buds and fill your home with the undeniable magic of fall baking!

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls

These aren’t just any cinnamon rolls; they’re a celebration of seasonal flavors, combining the classic comfort of a sweet, fluffy roll with the juicy, spiced sweetness of fresh apples. The tender dough, generously swirled with a rich apple and cinnamon filling, and topped with a delicate, optional glaze, creates a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to working with yeast, this recipe is designed to guide you to success, making homemade apple cinnamon rolls a staple in your fall baking repertoire.

More Favorite Fall Apple Recipes to Explore:

Apples are incredibly versatile, and fall offers an abundance of varieties perfect for baking. If you love the cozy flavors of apple and cinnamon, you might also enjoy these other delightful recipes:

• Super Easy Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake: A hassle-free dessert that combines spiced apples with a cake-like topping, perfect for slow-cooking.
• Apple Cider Muddy Buddies: A fun, snackable treat with the festive taste of apple cider, great for parties or a cozy night in.
• Caramel Apple Biscuits: Imagine warm, flaky biscuits infused with caramel and tender apple pieces – a truly decadent morning treat.
• Copy Cat Boston Market Cinnamon Apples: Recreate the beloved side dish from Boston Market, featuring tender apples simmered in a sweet cinnamon sauce.

What’s your go-to apple recipe when the leaves start to turn? Share your favorites!

Ingredients for Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls:

Gathering your ingredients beforehand is key to a smooth baking process. For these cinnamon rolls, you’ll be working with three main components: the soft yeast dough, the luscious apple filling, and the sweet, optional icing.

For The Cinnamon Roll Dough:

• 1 package Active Dry Yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
• ½ cup water, lukewarm (around 105-115°F is ideal for activating yeast)
• ½ cup + 2 teaspoon sugar (sugar helps feed the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough)
• ½ cup milk, lukewarm
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• 1 egg, room temperature (room temperature eggs incorporate better into dough)
• 2 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor and controls yeast activity)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

For the Apple Filling:

Choosing the right apples is crucial for a great filling. Firmer, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work wonderfully as they hold their shape and offer a balanced flavor when baked.

• 5-6 Medium Apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small, even pieces
• 2 Ttbsp Lemon Juice (prevents browning and brightens the apple flavor)
• ½ cup Brown Sugar (adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness)
• ½ cup White Sugar (for classic sweetness)
• ¼ cup Cornstarch (thickens the apple mixture to a perfect consistency)
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (the quintessential spice for apples)
• ½ teaspoon Nutmeg (complements cinnamon beautifully)
• Pinch of Salt (balances the sweet flavors)
• 2 cups Water (for simmering the apples)
• 4 tablespoon Butter, softened (for spreading on the dough before the filling)
• 1 cup brown sugar (for sprinkling on the butter before the apple mixture)
• 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling on the butter before the apple mixture)

For the Icing (Optional but Highly Recommended!):

A simple glaze adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced apple rolls. Feel free to adjust the consistency to your liking.

• 1 Cup Powdered Sugar (confectioners’ sugar for a smooth icing)
• 1 tablespoon milk (or more, for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances flavor)

Essential Equipment for Baking Success:

Having the right tools can make your baking experience much smoother and more enjoyable. Here are a few recommended items:

Large Mixing Bowl – A sturdy, spacious mixing bowl is invaluable for dough making. We particularly love a glass batter bowl with a handle, as it provides stability on the counter and makes it much easier to mix ingredients thoroughly without the bowl sliding around. Its transparency also allows you to observe the dough’s progress.

Heat Resistant Potholders – Safety in the kitchen is paramount. After a startling fire scare when a cloth potholder accidentally caught fire on a hot burner, we’ve exclusively switched to heat-resistant silicone potholders. They offer superior protection and peace of mind when handling hot baking pans and dishes, ensuring your delicious creations come out of the oven safely.

You’ll also need a rolling pin, a large saucepan, a 9×13 inch baking pan, and parchment paper.

Detailed Directions for Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls:

Patience is a virtue in baking, especially when working with yeast. Follow these steps carefully for the best results, and don’t rush the rising process!

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, lukewarm water (ensure it’s not too hot, which can kill the yeast, or too cold, which won’t activate it), and 2 teaspoons of sugar.
• Gently stir the mixture, then let it sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active and ready when a foamy layer forms on the surface, indicating it’s alive and ready to make your dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough Base

• In your large mixing bowl, add the lukewarm milk, melted butter, room temperature egg, the remaining ½ cup of sugar, and salt. Mix these ingredients until they are well combined and smooth.
• Gradually add about half of the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth batter forms. This initial mixing helps to develop the gluten in the flour without overworking it.
• Now, gently incorporate the activated yeast mixture into the batter, stirring until just combined.
• Slowly add the remaining flour, about ½ cup at a time, mixing until it’s fully incorporated. As the dough becomes thicker, you might find it easier to switch from a mixer to your hands or a sturdy wooden spoon for thorough mixing. The dough should start to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Knead and First Rise

• Lightly flour a clean work surface. Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it for approximately 5 minutes. The goal is to develop the gluten, making the dough elastic and smooth. You’ll notice the dough becoming less sticky and more pliable as you knead.
• Lightly grease a clean bowl with a little oil or butter. Place the kneaded dough into the greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides.
• Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm, draft-free place to allow the dough to rise. This process will take about 2 hours, or until the dough has roughly doubled in size. This first rise is crucial for developing flavor and texture.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

• While the dough is rising, prepare your delicious apple filling. In a large bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with lemon juice. This simple step prevents the apples from browning and adds a bright note. Set them aside.
• In a large saucepan, pour the cornstarch. Slowly whisk in the 2 cups of water, ensuring there are no lumps. A smooth cornstarch slurry is essential for a silky filling.
• Mix in the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Bring the mixture to a hard boil, stirring constantly. Continue to boil and stir for 2 minutes to activate the cornstarch and thicken the sauce.
• Add the lemon-tossed apples to the saucepan and bring the mixture back to a boil. Once boiling again, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the apples have softened to your desired texture. Some prefer a slight bite, others a very tender apple.
• Remove the apple filling from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

• Once your dough has completed its first rise and the apple filling is ready, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Remove it from the bowl and place it on a well-floured surface.
• Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 16×24 inches. Aim for an even thickness across the entire surface.
• Spread the softened 4 tablespoons of butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, going almost to the edges.
• In a separate small bowl, mix the 1 cup of brown sugar with the 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this aromatic mixture evenly over the butter.
• Now, carefully spread the cooled apple mixture over the brown sugar and cinnamon layer, ensuring even distribution. Leave a small border (about half an inch) along one of the longer edges to help seal the roll.

Step 6: Roll, Slice, and Second Rise

• Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Take your time to keep the roll as even and compact as possible. The finished log should be approximately 24 inches long.
• Using a sharp knife or even a piece of dental floss, slice the log evenly to create individual cinnamon rolls. Aim for slices roughly 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This should yield about 12-16 rolls.
• Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Place the sliced cinnamon rolls into the prepared pan, making sure to leave a little space between each roll, as they will expand during their second rise and baking.
• Cover the baking pan with a clean dish towel and let the rolls undergo their second rise in a warm, draft-free spot for another 2 hours, or until they have visibly doubled in size and are puffy. This second rise ensures light and airy rolls.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

• While the rolls are completing their second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Once the oven is preheated and the rolls have risen, place the baking pan into the oven.
• Bake for approximately 22-25 minutes. The rolls should turn a beautiful golden brown on top, and the apple filling should be bubbling slightly. If you notice them browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with foil.
• Remove the glorious Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls from the oven. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before glazing.

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Step 8: The Finishing Touch – Icing (Optional)

• If you desire a sweet glaze to top your rolls, prepare it while the rolls are cooling slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk (add more milk a tiny bit at a time if you want a thinner consistency), and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Drizzle the luscious glaze generously over the warm apple cinnamon rolls. The warmth of the rolls will allow the icing to melt slightly and seep into all the nooks and crannies.
• Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Tips for the Best Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls:

• **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure milk, egg, and butter are at room temperature for optimal dough consistency and yeast activity.
• **Don’t Over-Flour:** Too much flour makes the dough stiff. Add it gradually until the dough is manageable but still slightly tacky.
• **Warm Rising Environment:** A slightly warm, draft-free spot is crucial for yeast to thrive. You can preheat your oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
• **Even Apple Chunks:** Cut apples into uniform pieces so they cook evenly within the filling.
• **Seal the Roll:** When rolling the dough, make sure to keep it tight and pinch the seam at the end to prevent the filling from oozing out excessively during baking.
• **Parchment Paper is Your Friend:** It prevents sticking and makes transferring the rolls much easier.
• **Don’t Overbake:** Keep an eye on the rolls! Overbaking can lead to dry rolls. They should be golden brown and feel firm but springy to the touch.

Storage and Reheating:

Freshly baked apple cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm on the day they are made. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

These Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to create warmth, comfort, and delicious memories in your home. Enjoy every bite of this fall-inspired masterpiece!

Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our diverse collection of copycat recipes, indulgent dessert recipes, and convenient Crock Pot Recipes for more culinary inspiration.

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Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls

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Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• **For The Cinnamon Roll Dough:**
• 1 package Active Dry Yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
• ½ cup Water (lukewarm)
• ½ cup + 2 teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup Milk (lukewarm)
• ⅓ cup Butter (melted)
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoon Salt
• 4 cups All Purpose Flour
• **For the Apple Filling:**
• 5-6 Medium Apples (peeled and chopped)
• 2 Ttbsp Lemon Juice
• ½ cup Brown Sugar
• ½ cup White Sugar
• ¼ cup Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• Salt
• 2 cups Water
• 4 Tablespoon Butter (softened)
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
• **For the Icing (Optional):**
• 1 Cup Confectioners Powdered Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Milk
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

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