Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Easy Homemade Baking Guide

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Easy Homemade Baking Guide

Hey everyone! There’s just something magical about the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven, isn’t there? It instantly makes a house feel like a home. I remember the first time I tried making these – it was a bit of a messy affair, but the end result was so worth it. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for soft, fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls that are guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any cinnamon rolls. The addition of sweet, slightly tart apples takes them to a whole new level. They’re perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a special occasion, or honestly, just because you deserve a treat! Plus, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward – even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll be able to pull these off.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful rolls:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 50g melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup lukewarm milk
• 3 crispy apples, chopped (about 2 medium apples)
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 30g melted butter (for the filling)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a moment. A few little things can make a big difference!

• Flour: I usually use regular all-purpose flour (maida) for this recipe. It gives the rolls a lovely soft texture.
• Cinnamon: Don’t skimp on the cinnamon! A good quality cinnamon powder really shines through. I prefer Ceylon cinnamon for its delicate flavour, but any good cinnamon will work.
• Apples: This is where you can get creative! Granny Smith apples hold their shape well during baking, but you can also use Fuji, Gala, or even a mix. In India, Royal Delicious apples are also a great choice – they have a lovely sweetness.
• Yeast: Instant yeast is super convenient as you don’t need to activate it beforehand. If you’re using active dry yeast, make sure to bloom it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the dough.
• Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in the recipe.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, 50g melted butter, egg, yeast, salt, sugar, and lukewarm milk. Mix everything together until it starts to come together.
2. Knead the Dough: Now, the fun part! Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, let’s make the apple cinnamon filling. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, and 30g melted butter. Mix well.
5. Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 10 equal balls. Roll each ball into a circle, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
6. Assemble the Rolls: Spoon a generous amount of the apple cinnamon filling onto each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the dough over to form a crescent shape, and pinch the seam to seal.
7. Second Rise: Arrange the cinnamon rolls seam-side down in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
9. Cool & Enjoy: Let the rolls cool slightly in the pan before serving.

Expert Tips

• Warm Milk is Key: Make sure your milk is lukewarm, not hot. Hot milk can kill the yeast.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cinnamon rolls will be dry. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
• Soft Butter: Using softened (not melted) butter in the dough will give you a softer, more tender roll.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water) and use plant-based butter and milk.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re a cinnamon fanatic, feel free to add an extra ½ tsp of cinnamon to the filling. Or, for a milder flavour, reduce it to ¾ tsp.
• Festival Adaptations: For Christmas, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling. During Diwali, a pinch of cardamom powder alongside the cinnamon adds a lovely festive touch. My grandmother always added a few chopped pistachios too!

Serving Suggestions

These apple cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. A cup of chai or coffee is the perfect accompaniment.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

What type of flour is best for cinnamon rolls?

All-purpose flour (maida) works great! You can also experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping the rolls.

What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from drying out?

Don’t overbake them! And store them in an airtight container. A little bit of butter brushed on top after baking also helps keep them moist.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, definitely! Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, and Royal Delicious all work well.

How can I tell if the cinnamon rolls are fully baked?

They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Enjoy baking these delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls! I hope they bring a little bit of warmth and happiness to your kitchen. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!