Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, irresistible treat that smells like autumn wrapped in dough, this Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls swirled with spiced apple butter and cinnamon sugar, then topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with a hint of maple syrup. Every bite is a warm hug of comforting flavors that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want to feel that cozy, homemade magic. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing and wow everyone who tries these? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of your rolls. From the soft dough to the sweet cinnamon filling and creamy frosting, every element combines harmoniously.

• Active dry yeast (1 tablespoon): This is your rising agent that makes the dough light and fluffy.
• Whole milk (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture to the dough for a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and part of the filling for balanced sweetness.
• Large eggs (2, beaten): Give structure and help tenderize the dough for softness.
• Butter (6 tablespoons melted and cooled): Adds richness and enhances the dough’s flavor.
• All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
• Apple butter (1 cup): The star of the filling, packed with spiced apple goodness that’s sweet and tangy.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Brings that classic cinnamon warm spice in both filling and frosting.
• Cream cheese (3/4 cup): For a smooth, tangy frosting that complements the apple and cinnamon perfectly.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
• Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle, natural sweetness and depth to the frosting.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all flavors in the frosting.

How to Make Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by mixing your yeast with a tablespoon of milk and sugar, letting it sit until it becomes bubbly and fragrant. This foamy mixture tells you your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough!

Step 2: Mix the Liquid Ingredients

Gently whisk the remaining milk, sugar, beaten eggs, and melted butter into the activated yeast. Adding butter last ensures the yeast isn’t exposed to heat that could kill it, keeping your dough perfectly fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare and Knead the Dough

Combine flour and salt in your stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl. Pour in the liquid ingredients and knead with the dough hook attachment for 8-10 minutes until the dough is soft, stretchy, and pulls away from the sides. If the dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time, but keep it slightly tacky for the softest rolls.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for that light, airy texture that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible.

Step 5: Roll Out and Add Filling

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to an 18 by 12-inch rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the apple butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with a mix of brown and granulated sugars combined with cinnamon. Leaving a small strip bare along one edge helps seal the roll beautifully.

Step 6: Shape and Second Rise

Roll the dough jelly-roll style starting from the long edge with filling, then slice into 12 even rounds. Place these snugly in a greased 9×13 pan, cover, and let them puff up again for 20-30 minutes. This second rise ensures softness and that signature fluffy inside.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 18-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them so the tops don’t get too dark; if the middle looks underdone after 20 minutes, tent with foil and continue baking. Your rolls should come out with a golden crust and a soft, fully baked center.

Step 8: Make and Apply Frosting

While the rolls bake, whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt into a smooth frosting. Spread this delicious topping over the rolls while they’re still warm so it melts into every cozy crevice.

How to Serve Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans on top for a delightful crunch and a pop of extra warmth. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving makes these rolls look as heavenly as they taste.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or freshly brewed apple cider to amplify those cozy fall vibes. A simple bowl of fresh fruit can balance the sweetness and add a refreshing touch to your brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try pulling apart the rolls gently and arranging them on a rustic wooden board for an inviting shared dessert. Or, serve them in mini cast-iron skillets for a charming individual portion that keeps them warm longer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover rolls keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The apple butter cinnamon rolls recipe stays soft and flavorful, making them perfect for a quick snack or breakfast.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolled dough tightly wrapped, or freeze baked rolls after they’ve cooled completely. Wrap individually or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds to regain that freshly baked softness. Reapply a little frosting if desired for extra indulgence.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface, though it requires more time and elbow grease. Just be patient until the dough is soft and stretchy for best results.

What if my apple butter is very sweet or spicy?

Adjust the sugar in the filling slightly if your apple butter is sweeter or spicier than usual so your rolls don’t become overwhelming. The cinnamon in the recipe complements spicy apple butter wonderfully.

Can I use regular cinnamon rolls dough and just add apple butter?

While you can substitute dough, making the dough from scratch as per this recipe ensures the perfect texture and flavor balance with the apple butter filling for the full Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe experience.

How important is the second rise?

The second rise lets the rolls puff up and develop their tender crumb; skipping it can lead to denser, less fluffy cinnamon rolls. It’s definitely worth the patience!

Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?

You can! Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, use plant-based butter, and swap cream cheese for a vegan alternative. The results may differ slightly, but the warm apple and cinnamon flavors will still shine.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe that fills your home with cozy smells and fills your belly with happiness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little sweetness, this recipe delivers comfort, warmth, and delight with every bite. Give it a try and share the joy – I promise these rolls will become a staple you’ll return to again and again!

Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.2 from 38 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in these soft, spiced Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls featuring a tender yeast dough layered with apple butter and a cinnamon sugar filling, finished with a luscious cream cheese maple frosting. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these rolls offer a wonderful balance of sweet and warm flavors, ideal for breakfast or a comforting dessert.

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Ingredients

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Dough

• 1 envelope active dry yeast (1 tablespoon)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 6 tablespoons butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1 cup apple butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Frosting

• 3/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Prep: Gather all ingredients and prepare your workspace. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook is recommended for kneading, but kneading by hand is possible though more time-consuming.
2. Activate yeast: In a large measuring jug, mix the active dry yeast with 1 tablespoon of milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and foamy, indicating the yeast is active. If it remains flat, discard and start again with fresh yeast.
3. Add remaining liquid ingredients: Once the yeast is bubbly, whisk in the remaining milk, remaining granulated sugar, beaten eggs, and melted butter (adding butter last to avoid killing the yeast).
4. Knead dough: In the stand mixer bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead with the dough hook attachment on medium speed for 8-10 minutes until the dough is soft, stretchy, and slightly tacky, but not sticky. Add extra flour 1 tablespoon at a time if needed, until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides and forms a soft ball.
5. Let dough rise: Place the dough in a large greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm room temperature until doubled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes. For cooler kitchens, put the dough near a warm spot or inside a turned-off oven warmed slightly, ensuring it doesn’t exceed 100°F.
6. Roll out and add filling: Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into an 18 by 12-inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the apple butter evenly over the dough. Mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the apple butter, leaving a small border along one long edge free to help seal the roll.
7. Assemble rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a jelly-roll shape. Slice into 12 even rounds with a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to avoid squashing the swirls. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let them rise again until puffy, about 20 to 30 minutes.
8. Bake rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) while rolls rise. Bake for 18 to 25 minutes until golden brown and set in the center. Check frequently; if the tops brown too quickly but the centers remain doughy, tent with foil to prevent burning and continue baking until done. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.
9. Make frosting: While rolls bake and cool slightly, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
10. Serve: Spread frosting over the still-warm cinnamon rolls. These rolls are delicious served warm but also taste great cold the next day.

Notes

• A stand mixer makes kneading easier but it is possible to knead by hand.
• Use fresh yeast and ensure it is bubbly and foamy before proceeding to avoid flat dough.
• Leave a border when spreading filling to help seal the roll.
• Using unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls helps keep the spirals intact.
• Tent with foil if rolls brown too fast but remain doughy to avoid burning while finishing baking.
• Serving rolls warm enhances the flavor, but leftovers can be enjoyed cold the next day.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American