Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing might just be the breakfast treat that turns your kitchen into a cozy haven. If you love the idea of soft, warm rolls packed with apple and cinnamon goodness, topped with a rich, nutty icing, you’re in for a treat. Trust me, these rolls have become my go-to when I want something comforting but a bit special.

Why You Should Try Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

Why settle for plain cinnamon rolls when you can add fresh apples and brown butter maple icing? The apples add a juicy sweetness and a bit of texture that brightens up the classic cinnamon roll. The brown butter maple icing? It’s like the icing on the cake except better bringing a toasty, caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and apples. Honestly, once you try this combo, regular cinnamon rolls might feel a bit boring.

Variations I’ve Tried And Loved

I’ve experimented a bit with this recipe over the years. Sometimes I swap out the apples for pears when they’re in season, which adds a slightly different sweetness. Other times, I toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts inside the roll for a little crunch. If you like your rolls extra gooey, I add a bit more maple syrup to the icing. It’s all about tweaking to match your mood or what’s in your pantry.

Adaly Kandice

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

Delicious apple cinnamon rolls topped with a rich brown butter maple icing for a perfect sweet treat.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 360

Ingredients

  

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg

• 2 cups apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll dough out on a floured surface into a 16x12 inch rectangle.
3. Spread softened butter over dough evenly.
4. Mix apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl, then sprinkle over the buttered dough.
5. Roll dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal pieces.
6. Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rest for 20-30 minutes.
7. Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

1. While rolls bake, melt butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma; remove from heat.
2. Whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Drizzle icing over warm rolls once out of the oven.
4. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Use fresh apples for best flavor. Brown butter adds a rich nutty taste to the icing. Rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Serving The Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

These rolls are perfect on their own, but if you want to turn breakfast into a full-on feast, serve them alongside:

• A cup of strong coffee or chai tea
• Fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast
• Scrambled eggs or bacon if you want something savory on the side

They also make a fantastic dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling cheeky.

Tips for Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

• Use room temperature ingredients for better dough consistency.
• Don’t rush the rising times; good things come to those who wait.
• When browning butter, keep a close eye on it. It can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
• If your apples are very juicy, pat them dry slightly to avoid soggy rolls.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling.

Leftovers and Storage

If you have leftovers (which is rare), store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them before icing for up to a month. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds. Add fresh icing if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using water instead of milk can make the dough less tender.
• Skipping the second rise will make the rolls dense.
• Adding too much flour can make the dough tough; it should be soft and slightly sticky.
• Forgetting to brown the butter properly will miss out on that deep, nutty flavor.
• Overbaking will dry out the rolls, so keep an eye on them.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 22 g

There you have it! Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing that taste like a warm hug on a plate. Give them a try and see if they don’t become your next obsession.