Description

Imagine pulling apart pillowy-soft rolls swirled with cinnamon-spiced apples, all drenched in a nutty brown butter maple icing that tastes like autumn in every bite. These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are warm, sticky, and packed with cozy flavor—perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or just because you deserve a little sweetness.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 cups warm whole milk *(110°F / 43°C)*
4½ tsp (2 packets) active dry yeast
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 stick (½ cup) salted butter, softened
6 large eggs, room temp
1 tsp kosher salt
7-8 cups all-purpose flour (start with 7!)

For the Filling:

1½ sticks (¾ cup) salted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
4 Honeycrisp apples, peeled & finely chopped (or Granny Smith!)

For the Brown Butter Maple Icing:

1 stick (½ cup) salted butter, browned (see instructions!)
12 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup pure maple syrup (the real stuff!)
4 tsp vanilla extract
4-5 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Dough (1 hour rise)

Proof the yeast – In a large bowl, whisk warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit 5-10 mins until foamy.
Add wet ingredients – Mix in softened butter, eggs, and salt until combined.
Knead the dough – Gradually add 7 cups flour, then knead 8-10 mins until smooth & elastic. (Add remaining flour only if too sticky!)
First rise – Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.

2️⃣ Prepare the Filling

Mix cinnamon sugar paste – Mash softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon together.
Chop apples – Peel, core, and finely dice 4 apples (small pieces = better distribution!).

3️⃣ Roll, Fill & Cut (30-45 min rise)

Divide & roll out dough – Split dough in half. Roll one half into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread filling – Cover with half the cinnamon paste, then sprinkle half the apples.
Roll & slice – Roll up tightly, then cut into 12 rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife. Repeat with second half.
Second rise – Place rolls in greased 9×13 pans, cover, and let rise 30-45 mins until puffy.

4️⃣ Bake & Ice (30 mins)

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 mins, until golden.
Make icing – Brown 1 stick butter, then beat with cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Drown in icing – Pour over warm rolls and watch the magic happen!

Notes

✔ Use room temp ingredients – Cold butter/eggs = lumpy dough.
✔ Don’t over-flour! A slightly sticky dough = softer rolls.
✔ Brown butter carefully – Swirl constantly to avoid burning.
✔ Serve warm – Best fresh, but leftovers reheat beautifully!

Nutrition

Calories: 370 cal Per Serving
Sugar: 28g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 5g