Soft and Fragrant Apple Cinnamon Bread Rolls with a Creamy Optional Topping

These Apple Cinnamon Bread Rolls are a delightful combination of soft, fluffy dough and a warm, spiced apple filling. The rolls are infused with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, while the apple filling adds a touch of sweetness and texture. Baked to perfection, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. An optional cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence, making these rolls a treat that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This:

You’ll love these Apple Cinnamon Bread Rolls for their soft, pillowy texture and the irresistible combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon. The dough is easy to work with and bakes up beautifully, while the apple filling provides a juicy burst of flavor in every bite. These rolls are versatile enough to enjoy plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any time of day, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Perfect Occasion:

These rolls are perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a sweet afternoon treat, or a comforting dessert. They’re ideal for autumn when apples are in season, but they’re delicious year-round. Serve them at brunch, family gatherings, or holiday mornings to impress your guests with their homemade goodness and inviting aroma. The rolls also make a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Decoration Tips:

For a simple and classic presentation, dust the cooled rolls with powdered sugar. If you’re using the cream cheese frosting, spread it generously over the top of the warm rolls for a rich and creamy finish. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for added warmth. To make them look even more inviting, consider serving the rolls in a decorative baking dish or on a rustic wooden board.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 225 ml warm milk
• 50 g sugar
• 5 g active dry yeast
• 60 g butter
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 500 g all-purpose flour
• 3 g salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 500 g apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small cubes
• 30 g butter
• 60 g sugar
• 2 g ground cinnamon
• 7 g cornstarch

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 80 g softened butter
• 60 g granulated sugar
• 40 g brown sugar
• 8 g ground cinnamon

For the Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 100 g cream cheese
• 20 g softened butter
• 200 g powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Milk (if needed, to adjust consistency)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add all the dough ingredients in the order listed. Mix on low to medium speed, or knead by hand, for about 7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it has tripled in size.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the apple filling. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the apples soften slightly. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apples, stir well, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool in the refrigerator.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 50 x 40 cm.
4. Fill and Roll the Dough: Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 2 cm border around the edges. Mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon together, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough. Gently press the sugar mixture into the dough with your hands, then evenly distribute the cooled apple filling over the top.
5. Form the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the longer side (50 cm). Seal the edge with a little water and place the seam side down. Cut the log into 12 equal slices, about 3.5 cm each, discarding the ends if they lack filling.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 170-180ºC (340-350ºF). Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between them for expansion. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Prepare the Frosting (Optional): If you’re making the cream cheese frosting, combine the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until smooth, adding a little milk if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
8. Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. If desired, spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Enjoy!

Enjoy!