These fluffy, golden yeast buns are filled with a sweet apple cinnamon filling and topped with a buttery crumble and cinnamon glaze. The soft dough, flavored with orange zest, perfectly complements the warm, spiced apple center. Each bun is finished with a crunchy crumble topping and a drizzle of sweet cinnamon glaze, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. These buns are a delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon, all wrapped in a soft, pillowy dough.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: You’ll love the balance of flavors and textures in these apple cinnamon buns. The soft, rich dough pairs perfectly with the sweet and spiced apple filling, while the crumble topping adds a delightful crunch. The cinnamon glaze gives a sweet finish, making these buns irresistible. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they offer a comforting, homemade alternative to store-bought pastries. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a dessert, these buns are sure to be a hit.
Perfect Occasion: These apple cinnamon buns are perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or a cozy afternoon snack. Their warm flavors make them ideal for autumn or winter, but they’re delicious year-round. They also make a great addition to potlucks, family gatherings, or even as a special treat to share with friends over coffee or tea.
Decoration Tips: For an extra special presentation, drizzle the cinnamon glaze in a zigzag pattern over the buns and top with a light dusting of powdered sugar. You can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or extra crumble for added texture. If serving these buns during the holidays, consider garnishing with a few thin slices of apple or a pinch of orange zest for a festive touch.
Recipe:
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 400g flour
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 egg
- 200ml warm milk
- 20g fresh yeast
- 60g sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla sugar
- 60g softened butter
- 1 tsp grated orange zest
- ¼ tsp salt
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ egg and 1 tsp milk for brushing the buns
- Apple filling (made from pre-cooked apples)
- Crumble topping
- Cinnamon glaze
Method:
- Prepare the Yeast Starter:
In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar and a few tablespoons of warm milk. Stir until the yeast dissolves, then add 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix well and let it rise for about 10 minutes until bubbly and active. - Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg, egg yolk, remaining sugar, and salt together until smooth. Add the sifted flour, remaining milk, yeast starter, orange zest, and vanilla sugar. Knead the dough for about 15 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. A few minutes before finishing, incorporate the softened butter and continue kneading until fully absorbed. - Let the Dough Rise:
Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. - Shape the Buns:
Roll the dough into a square, approximately 35 cm (14 inches) on each side. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough into a log and slice it into 3 cm (1.2 inch) thick pieces. - Second Rise:
Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover the buns and let them rise for another 20 minutes. - Brush and Add Crumble:
Brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg and milk mixture. Sprinkle generously with the crumble topping (see below for the crumble recipe). - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the buns for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown. - Make the Crumble Topping:
- 30g sugar
- 30g butter
- 50g flour In a small bowl, mix the sugar, butter, and flour with your hands until it forms coarse crumbs.
- Make the Cinnamon Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Cinnamon
- Milk or water Mix powdered sugar with a pinch of cinnamon and enough milk or water to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the cooled buns.
Enjoy these warm, soft apple cinnamon buns with a crunchy crumble topping and a sweet cinnamon glaze!