Maple Glazed Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect cozy treat for crisp autumn mornings or any time you crave a sweet, comforting delight. With a luscious maple glaze and tender, spiced apples nestled within soft rolls, this recipe is an irresistible twist on a classic favorite.
The base of our dough begins with all-purpose flour, providing the structure and softness we love in a cinnamon roll. Granulated sugar sweetens the dough just enough, while active dry yeast gives it that necessary rise and fluffiness. We use warm milk to activate the yeast, and a helping of unsalted butter adds richness and flavor. A large egg gives the dough its tender texture, while a touch of salt enhances the flavors. Cinnamon is the star spice that pairs beautifully with the peeled and finely diced apple, which offers a fresh, fruity burst in every bite. For the filling, brown sugar creates a caramel-like sweetness, and together with more unsalted butter, it forms the gooey center. The pure maple syrup in the glaze not only sweetens but also brings a warm, earthy note, complemented by powdered sugar for thickness and vanilla extract for depth.
Serve these rolls warm for the best experience. They pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of chai tea. For a special brunch, consider serving alongside a savory egg dish or crispy bacon to balance out the sweetness.
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of flour, the sugar, and the yeast. This forms the base of your dough. Next, add in the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s smooth. It might feel a bit sticky, but that's okay.
Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Now, it’s time to knead! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. This typically takes about an hour.
Once your dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Scatter the diced apples across the sugar mixture.
Carefully roll the dough into a log from one long side to the other. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they puff up nicely.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly. While they bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together the maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling the glaze generously over the top.
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