Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve been searching for that perfect cozy treat to brighten up your mornings or sweeten your afternoons, then trust me when I say the Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. These rolls combine the tender, fluffy texture of classic cinnamon rolls with the warm, spiced goodness of apple butter, creating an irresistibly aromatic delight. Every bite is like a hug on a plate, bursting with layers of cinnamon, brown sugar, and that special fruity tang that makes these rolls feel completely homemade and heartwarming.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing complicated here—just simple, down-to-earth ingredients that each play a crucial role in making these Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe unforgettable. From the richness of melted butter to the fragrant spices, each element works together to build layers of flavor and texture you’ll adore.

• Active dry yeast (1 envelope or 1 tablespoon): Essential for giving the dough that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
• Whole milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and richness, helping to create a tender dough.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Helps activate the yeast and sweetens the dough subtly.
• Large eggs (2, beaten): Adds structure and richness, making the rolls soft and pliable.
• Butter (6 tablespoons, melted and slightly cooled): Brings rich flavor and tenderness to the dough.
• All-purpose flour (4 cups): The base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances out sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Apple butter (1 cup): The star ingredient—spiced and smooth, gives the filling a luscious apple flavor.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds deep molasses notes that elevate the cinnamon filling.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds additional sweetness and crunch to the filling.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Infuses the rolls with classic warmth; feel free to use a bit more since the apple butter is already spiced.
• Cream cheese (3/4 cup): Creates a wonderfully tangy and smooth frosting.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting to a perfect creamy consistency.
• Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor to the frosting.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): A dash in the frosting to tie all the cinnamon goodness together.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the cream cheese frosting’s balance and flavor complexity.

How to Make Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients; having everything at hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable. A stand mixer fitted with a dough hook is a fantastic helper here, but if you prefer kneading by hand, prepare for a bit of a workout that’s surprisingly satisfying.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Mix the yeast with a tablespoon each of milk and sugar in a measuring jug, then give it about 5 minutes to bubble up and get foamy. This bubbly, yeasty smell is your green light that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough. If it doesn’t foam, toss it and start fresh so your rolls rise beautifully.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Once the yeast is bubbly, whisk in the remaining milk, sugar, the beaten eggs, and melted butter. Add the butter last to avoid accidentally killing the yeast with heat, ensuring thorough mixing and a rich, smooth base for your dough.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, mix the flour and salt together, then gradually add the yeast mixture. Knead on medium speed with your dough hook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes soft, elastic, and just slightly tacky. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, if the dough feels too sticky. The goal is a smooth, soft dough that pulls away from the bowl edges.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Pop your dough into a large greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot. In an ideal scenario, you’ll have it double in size over 45 to 60 minutes. If your kitchen is on the cool side, placing the bowl inside a turned-off oven or near a warm source helps speed up the process — but keep it comfortably warm, not hot.

Step 6: Roll Out and Add the Filling

Punch the risen dough to release air, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it into an 18 by 12-inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Spread that golden, spiced apple butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle a mixture of both brown and granulated sugars combined with cinnamon. Leave a bare border on one long edge to make rolling easier and to seal your spiral like a pro.

Step 7: Assemble the Rolls

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough jelly-roll style. Cut the roll into 12 even slices, using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to keep those swirls nice and neat without squashing them down. Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13 inch pan, cover, and let rise again until nice and puffy, about 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

While the rolls rest, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 18 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through in the center. Keep an eye on them—if the tops get too dark but the centers need more time, tent the pan with foil. The centers should be soft but not doughy, ensuring that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

Whip together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Spread this luscious frosting over the rolls while they’re still warm so it melts in slightly, adding that tangy creaminess you can’t get enough of.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

These Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls are incredible when warm, straight from the oven, but they hold up well throughout the day, too. Serve them fresh, and watch smiles spread around your table.

How to Serve Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of extra cinnamon on top for an elegant finish that adds a little sweetness burst with every bite. For an autumn-inspired twist, toss on some toasted chopped pecans or walnuts—their crunch contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a cup of rich coffee, steaming chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy experience. For brunch, add fresh fruit or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness, turning this treat into a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls on a rustic wooden board or a pretty ceramic plate to highlight their golden hues. You can also stack a few with some decorative autumn leaves or seasonal flowers nearby for a festive feel. To impress guests, consider slicing them individually and stacking them into little towers drizzled with extra frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover rolls tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them moist and tender, ready to be enjoyed again without losing their fresh-baked charm.

Freezing

These Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe can be frozen either before or after baking. For unbaked rolls, assemble and slice the rolls, arrange them in a pan, then freeze. Once frozen, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. For baked rolls, let them cool completely, then wrap airtight. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm your rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. For best results, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out, and add a tiny drizzle of water before reheating to keep them moist and gooey.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple butter for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using store-bought apple butter works perfectly and saves time, especially if it’s a good-quality brand with nice spices. Just be sure to adjust cinnamon in the filling if your apple butter is already strongly spiced.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk with almond or oat milk, use vegan butter, and choose dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. The texture might be slightly different but still wonderfully delicious.

How long do these cinnamon rolls stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, they stay fresh up to 2 days. Refrigerating them extends their life to about a week, but bring to room temperature or warm before serving.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! This recipe scales up nicely. Just double all ingredients, and you might need a bigger mixing bowl and pan. Keep an eye on rising times as they can vary slightly with larger batches.

What’s the best way to get clean swirl slices?

Using unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife works wonders, as these tools cut through the dough without compressing it—so you keep those beautiful spirals intact for every roll.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe! There’s something truly magical about rolling up your sleeves, filling the kitchen with such comforting smells, and eventually sharing warm, sticky-sweet rolls with loved ones. Try this recipe soon; you’ll find it becomes one of your favorite go-to treats for any season. Happy baking!

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