Description
Deliciously soft and fragrant Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls infused with spiced apple butter and a cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a creamy maple cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Prep: Get your ingredients ready. A stand mixer with the dough hook attachment makes kneading easier, but you can knead by hand.
- Activate yeast: Combine yeast with 1 tablespoon milk and 1 tablespoon sugar in a large measuring jug. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly and foamy.
- Add remaining liquid ingredients: Whisk in the remaining milk, sugar, beaten eggs, and melted butter (added last so yeast doesn’t get too hot).
- Knead dough: In a stand mixer bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and knead with dough hook on medium speed for 8-10 minutes until dough is soft and stretchy. Add flour 1 tbsp at a time if needed until dough pulls away from bowl and forms a soft ball.
- Let dough rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
- Roll out and add filling: Punch down dough and roll on floured surface into 18×12 inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread apple butter evenly. Mix brown sugar and granulated sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over apple butter, leaving a small border on one long edge.
- Assemble rolls: Roll dough jelly-roll style from long edge. Slice into 12 rounds and place in greased 9×13 baking pan. Cover and let rise 20-30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 18-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. If tops brown too fast but centers remain doughy, tent with foil and continue baking. Cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and pinch of salt until smooth.
- Serve: Spread frosting on warm rolls and serve immediately for best flavor and softness.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast that bubbles well for proper rising.
- If kitchen is cool, allow dough to rise in a warm spot like inside a turned-off oven with light on.
- For clean cuts, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice rolls.
- Do not overbake; rolls should be set but still soft inside.
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor; leftovers can be reheated gently.
