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Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

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3.9 from 13 reviews

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing combine soft, fluffy homemade rolls filled with a sweet cinnamon apple mixture and topped with a rich, toasted brown butter and maple syrup glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a special treat, these rolls are made from scratch using a yeast dough, filled generously with cinnamon-spiced apples, and baked to golden perfection before being draped in a luscious cream cheese maple icing.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 1/2 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Apple Filling

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped

Brown Butter Maple Icing

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2-3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly on top, indicating that the yeast is activated and ready for use.
  2. Mix dough: Add the room temperature salted butter, eggs, 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, mix the ingredients until the flour is fully incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough is sticky, gradually add up to 1/2 cup more flour until the dough feels smooth and pliable to touch.
  3. First rise: Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size, indicating proper fermentation and readiness for shaping.
  4. Prepare filling and pan: While the dough is rising, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl to make the cinnamon sugar mixture. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
  5. Shape rolls: Punch down the risen dough to release gases and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Evenly spread 6 tablespoons of room temperature butter over the dough, then sprinkle the chopped apples and the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edge by pinching it firmly. Cut the log into 12 to 15 equal rolls.
  6. Second rise: Place the cut rolls into the prepared baking dish. Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes until puffed.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and are baked through.
  8. Prepare icing: While the rolls bake, melt the salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to brown lightly for about 2-3 minutes until it emits a toasted aroma. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. In a separate bowl with the cream cheese, whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
  9. Ice and serve: Once the rolls are warm from the oven, spread the brown butter maple icing generously over them. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, flavorful rolls.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better dough consistency and easier mixing.
  • Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture, but Granny Smith or other firm apples can be substituted.
  • Ensure the butter is browned carefully without burning to achieve the perfect nutty flavor in the icing.
  • The dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise for convenience; allow to come to room temperature before shaping.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/apple-cinnamon-rolls-with-brown-butter-maple-icing-recipe/