Description
Indulge in these delightful Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting, a perfect blend of warm spices, sweet apples, and tangy cream cheese for a cozy breakfast treat.
Ingredients
3.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (0.25 oz) instant yeast
1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup store-bought or homemade apple butter (for filling)
1/3 cup packed brown sugar (for filling)
1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
1.5 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Combine the warm milk, yeast, sugar, butter, eggs, salt, and 2 cups of flour in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly, then slowly add the rest of the flour until a soft dough is created.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
Spread the apple butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the apple butter.
Tightly roll the dough from the long edge into a log, then slice it into 12 equal pieces.
Place the slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.
For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
Find a cozy, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A slightly warmed oven (turned off) or a spot near a sunny window works well.
When kneading and rolling, use just enough flour to prevent sticking. Too much flour can make your rolls dense.
The rolls should be golden brown on top and the centers should feel set, not doughy. A toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out mostly clean.
Spreading the frosting on warm rolls allows it to melt slightly, creating a beautiful, slightly drippy effect that’s irresistible.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American