Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, salt, and egg.
- Gradually Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may not need all 4 cups. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat evenly.
- Melted Butter: Gently drizzle the melted butter over the apple mixture and toss again.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the apple filling over the dough rectangle, leaving a small border along one long edge.
- Roll it Up: Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: While the rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Adjust Consistency: Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Generously frost the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t Overheat the Milk. Use Room Temperature Ingredients. Don’t Overbake. Experiment with Apples. Add Nuts (Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the filling for extra texture and flavor). Make Ahead (You can assemble the rolls the night before and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking). Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Variations include Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls (Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls after frosting), Maple Apple Cinnamon Rolls (Use maple syrup instead of sugar in the filling and frosting), and Spiced Apple Cinnamon Rolls (Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the filling for a warmer, more festive flavor).