Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade apple cinnamon rolls topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe combines warm, fluffy dough with a sweet apple filling and a hint of cinnamon, making it perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert. Follow simple steps to create these irresistible rolls, ideal for sharing with friends and family. Warm, comforting, and delicious—this treat will become a favorite in your kitchen!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk, warmed

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

For the Filling:

3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely chopped

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.

- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.

- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a 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 it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).

Make the Filling:

- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.

- In another bowl, combine the chopped apples with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture and set aside.

Assemble the Rolls:

- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 16x24 inches).

- Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.

- Distribute the apple mixture evenly across the dough.

- Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edges to seal.

Cut and Rise:

- Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 even pieces.

- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffed.

Bake the Rolls:

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

- While the rolls are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until creamy.

- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until well combined and smooth.

Frost and Serve:

- Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

- Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors of apple and cinnamon!

Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 12