Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Filling – Soft, Sweet & Irresistible!
Soft, sweet cinnamon rolls filled with spiced apple topping. Perfect for breakfast or snacks, these rolls celebrate fall flavors with tender dough, warm spices, and a hint of vanilla. Optional nuts add crunch. No pork, bacon, or alcohol.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups peeled, chopped apples (such as Granny Smith)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
- Add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Prepare apple filling: combine chopped apples, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Once dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 16x24 inch rectangle.
- Spread apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a border around edges.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 slices and place in a greased baking pan.
- Cover rolls and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 25 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly before drizzling with icing or serving plain.
Notes
For extra soft rolls, ensure thorough kneading. Use kitchen scale for precise flour measurement. Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. Always cool rolls fully before icing to avoid melting. Optional: fold in additional cinnamon or walnuts into the dough for extra flavor.