Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon?

Few things feel as lovingly traditional as homemade apple cinnamon rolls made completely from scratch. Across generations, these rolls have symbolized patience, care, and the joy of baking for the people we love. Apples, gently cooked with cinnamon and sugar, have long been paired with soft dough in family kitchens, especially during cooler seasons when warmth and sweetness are most welcome. 🍎✨

This recipe is rooted in that old-fashioned spirit. It’s not rushed, yet it’s deeply rewarding. From mixing the dough by hand to rolling it up with spiced apples tucked inside, every step connects you to time-honored baking traditions. These rolls are perfect for weekend mornings, special gatherings, or moments when you want to slow down and bake something meaningful.

The beauty of apple cinnamon rolls lies in balance: tender dough, lightly caramelized apples, and a swirl of cinnamon sugar that melts into every layer as it bakes. Finished with a simple glaze, they’re comforting without being heavy, sweet without being overwhelming.

Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or simply for yourself, this recipe invites you to enjoy the process just as much as the result. Take your time, enjoy the scents and textures, and trust that from simple ingredients, something truly special will emerge. Let’s begin this classic, heartwarming bake together. 💛👩‍🍳

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (not hot) 🥛
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced 🍎
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer:

• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with one tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the melted butter, egg, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix gently until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. While the dough rises, prepare the apple filling. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
7. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 6–8 minutes until apples are tender and lightly caramelized. Stir in vanilla and let cool.
8. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
9. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon across the surface.
10. Evenly distribute the cooled apple filling on top.
11. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
12. Slice into 10–12 even rolls and place them in a greased baking dish.
13. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
14. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
15. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
16. Whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 30 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour + rising time

⚡ Calories per serving: ~390
🍽️ Servings: 10–12 rolls

Approximate per roll:

• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 15g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 6g

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️