Apple Cinnamon Rolls

1. Activate the Yeast

Dissolve the yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar in 4 tablespoons of lukewarm water and leave it to stand until foamy. It takes about 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, weigh and measure the ingredients.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 450 grams of plain flour and a pinch of salt. Set it aside.

Heat 200 millilitres of milk in a saucepan and melt 50 grams of unsalted butter in it. Set it aside and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled to room temperature, add the egg and stir briefly. Add the milk mixture, 40 grams of caster sugar, and the activated yeast to the flour and knead with the dough hook of the hand mixer for 5-10 minutes. After kneading, cover the dough with a tea towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

3. Prepare the Apples

For the filling, peel the apples, core them, and cut them into small cubes. Bring a larger amount of 100 millilitres of water to a boil in a saucepan and set the rest aside. Add the apple cubes and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the boiling water and let it simmer for 3 minutes. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the remaining water, then stir into the apple cubes. Turn off the stove and let the filling cool and thicken.

4. Roll out the Dough and Fill

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 5-10 millimetres (¼”) thick.

Melt 70 grams of unsalted butter in a saucepan, add a pinch of salt, and spread it over the rolled-out dough with a pastry brush. Drizzle 50 grams of caster sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon evenly over the melted butter, and finally distribute the apples, 70 grams of white chocolate chips, and 70 grams of chopped walnuts.

5. Roll up the Dough and Slice

Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into individual rolls. Aim for 2.5-3.5 cm  (1-1 ½”) thick. Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between them for the second rise. Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and leave them to rest for half an hour.

6. Preheat the Oven

While the rolls are resting, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with the rack in the middle position.

7. Bake

Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown on top. After baking, let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly.

8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, mix 225 grams of softened cream cheese and 115 grams of unsalted butter until a smooth, creamy mixture forms. Gradually, add 250 grams of icing sugar while continuing to beat the mixture. Make sure the sugar is fully incorporated before adding more sugar. Add the vanilla extract if desired, and continue to beat the frosting until it has a smooth and fluffy consistency. Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more icing sugar or vanilla extract. Once your cinnamon rolls are baked and cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

9. Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Make sure the rolls are still a bit warm so that the frosting can melt slightly and create a luscious glaze.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes by hand, or 5-7 minutes with a dough hook on a stand mixer. Proper kneading develops the gluten and gives the rolls their characteristic soft and chewy texture.

Apple Preparation: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape well when baked. Peel, core, and cut the apples into small, even pieces to ensure even cooking.

Cream Cheese Frosting: Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing to create a smooth, lump-free frosting. Beat everything until creamy, and then gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract.

Variations

Experiment with Flavours: Customize the filling by adding raisins, dried cranberries, or pecans instead of walnuts. You can also experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, to enhance the flavour profile.

Frosting Variations: Try different frosting variations, like a simple vanilla glaze, caramel drizzle, or maple cream cheese, frosting for a unique touch.

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Conclusion

Whether you serve these apple cinnamon rolls for breakfast with a steaming cup of coffee, as a centrepiece for a casual brunch with friends, or as a sweet ending to a special meal, they’re guaranteed to get rave reviews. So roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and treat your taste buds to the irresistible flavours of my homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls!