Why You’ll Love Heavenly Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing
I like this recipe because it combines classic cinnamon rolls with tender apples for extra flavor and texture. I enjoy how the dough is easy to work with and bakes up light and pillowy. I also appreciate that the icing isn’t overly sweet, which lets the maple and browned butter shine through beautifully.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp salt 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed 1/4 cup water, warmed 2 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 1 large egg 2 medium apples, peeled and diced 1/3 cup brown sugar 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 4 tbsp unsalted butter, browned 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tbsp milk
Directions
I begin by mixing the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl until well combined. I add the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg, then mix until a dough forms. I knead the dough for about five minutes until smooth, then let it rise for one hour. While the dough rises, I cook the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pan until the apples soften, then set the mixture aside to cool. I roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the softened butter evenly, and layer on the apple filling. I roll it up tightly, slice it into rolls, and place them in a baking dish. After letting them rise for another 30 minutes, I bake them at 375°F for about 25 minutes. I whisk together the browned butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and milk, then drizzle the icing over the warm rolls before serving.
Servings and Timing
I usually get about 12 rolls from this recipe, which is perfect for sharing. I plan for roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes of prep time, including rising, and about 25 minutes of baking time. From start to finish, I expect the total time to be around 1 hour and 55 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for extra crunch. I also enjoy using different apple varieties to change the flavor slightly. When I want a stronger spice profile, I add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the filling.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, I warm them gently in the oven or microwave until just heated through. I like adding a small drizzle of milk before reheating to keep them soft.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
I often prepare the rolls the night before and let them rise in the refrigerator, then bake them fresh in the morning.
What apples work best for this recipe?
I prefer using tart apples because they balance the sweetness of the filling and icing.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
I’ve done this before, and I just make sure to activate the yeast in the warm liquid first.
Why is my dough not rising?
I always check that my liquids are warm, not hot, since temperature plays a big role in yeast activity.
Can I freeze the baked rolls?
I let them cool completely, then freeze them without icing and add it after reheating.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
I look for a lightly golden top and make sure the centers are set, not doughy.
Can I reduce the sugar in the filling?
I sometimes cut back slightly on the brown sugar, and the rolls still taste delicious.
What makes brown butter different?
I like brown butter because it adds a deep, nutty flavor that regular melted butter doesn’t have.
Can I skip the maple syrup in the icing?
I’ve replaced it with milk before, but I find the maple flavor really enhances the icing.
Are these better served warm or cool?
I always prefer them warm, when the icing is slightly melted and the rolls are at their softest.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to these apple cinnamon rolls because they feel special yet approachable to make at home. I love how the spiced apples, soft dough, and brown butter maple icing come together in every bite. This is one of those recipes I enjoy baking again and again, especially when I want something truly comforting.
Soft, fluffy apple cinnamon rolls filled with warmly spiced apples and finished with a rich brown butter maple icing for a comforting, bakery-style treat.
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
1/4 cup water, warmed
2 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
2 medium apples, peeled and diced
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 tbsp unsalted butter, browned
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp milk
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast until combined.
Add the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, cook the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pan until softened; set aside to cool.
Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread evenly with softened butter.
Spread the cooled apple filling over the dough.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into rolls.
Place the rolls in a baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, until lightly golden.
Whisk together browned butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and milk.
Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
Tart apples work best to balance the sweetness.
Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the filling for crunch.
The rolls can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
Freeze baked rolls without icing and add icing after reheating.
