Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming of a cozy brunch or a special sweet moment in your day, let me introduce you to a real game-changer: Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing. These cinnamon rolls are not just any ordinary pastry; they bring together the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon paired with tender apples soaked in apple cider, all swirled into soft, fluffy dough. The crowning glory is the decadent browned butter cream cheese icing, which adds a nutty, rich touch that elevates every bite. This recipe will quickly become your favorite way to bring fall flavors (or really any time of year!) straight to your kitchen table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is simple, but each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color. From the warm apple cider that infuses the dough with a subtle fruity sweetness to the soft butter that adds richness, these staples come together beautifully.

• Warm water (¼ cup): Activates the yeast and kickstarts the dough rising process.
• Traditional dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp): Essential for fluffy cinnamon rolls that rise just right.
• Warm apple cider or juice (¾ cup): Imparts a deep fruity sweetness and tenderizes the dough.
• Butter, melted (6 tbsp): Adds richness and moisture to the dough base.
• Eggs, beaten (2): Help bind and enrich the dough for softness.
• Sugar (⅓ cup plus a pinch): Sweetens the dough while aiding yeast activity.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings that classic warm spice throughout the dough.
• Salt (¾ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• All-purpose flour (4 ½ cups plus extra): Creates the structure and texture of the dough.
• Butter for filling (2 tbsp + 8 tbsp softened): Softens the filling and enriches the cinnamon sugar layer.
• Apples, peeled and finely diced (4): Add a fresh, juicy bite inside every roll.
• Apple cider or juice (2 tbsp): Keeps the apple filling flavorful and moist.
• Lemon juice (1 tsp): Brightens the apple filling, preventing browning.
• Brown sugar (⅓ cup + 1 cup, packed): Gives sweetness and deep caramel notes in both fillings.
• Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the apple filling for just the right consistency.
• Additional cinnamon (1 tbsp): The hero spice in the cinnamon filling.
• Salt (pinch): Enhances the filling flavors.
• Butter for icing (6 tbsp): Browning this butter develops a nutty flavor unique to the icing.
• Cream cheese, softened (6 oz): Adds tang and creaminess to the icing.
• Icing sugar (2 ½ cups): Sweetens the frosting to a perfect consistency.

How to Make Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare Dough Mixture

Start by warming the water to a cozy 105°F to 115°F temperature, just right to wake up the yeast without killing it. Add a pinch of sugar and sprinkle in the yeast. Give it a quick stir and wait about 5 minutes until it bubbles with life — this bubbling is your sign the yeast is ready to work wonders in the dough.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Start Dough Formation

In your mixers bowl with a dough hook attached, pour in the warm apple cider, melted butter, beaten eggs, sugar, and activated yeast mixture. Then add the flour, cinnamon, and salt. As you start mixing, keep an eye on the dough’s consistency. It should gather into a soft, stretchy ball. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour to get that perfect balance, then mix for about 5 minutes until silky and elastic.

Step 3: Knead and Let the Dough Rise

Once mixed, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just a couple times to form a smooth ball. Toss it into a lightly greased bowl, rub a bit of oil on top, and cover with cling film or a kitchen towel. Set it somewhere warm to double in size, which usually takes 1 to 1 ½ hours — this rising phase is where the dough develops its fluffiness and flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough is busy rising, melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add your finely diced apples, apple cider, and lemon juice. Stir and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the apples begin to soften but still hold a little crunch. Mix brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. When your apples look tender, stir in this sugar mixture, and cook just until the sauce thickens. Let this filling cool completely to avoid melting your cinnamon roll filling later.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a simple bowl, blend softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until completely smooth. This mixture is your sweet, spicy base layer for the rolls — the perfect contrast to the juicy apple topping.

Step 6: Roll, Fill, and Slice the Dough

After the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle roughly 18 inches by 10 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough. Next, carefully drop spoonfuls of the cooled apple filling and gently spread it out to cover the cinnamon layer without pushing too hard. Roll the dough up tightly along the long side into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 12 equal pieces.

Step 7: Final Rise and Baking

Place these rolls into a non-stick sprayed 9 by 13-inch pan. Cover them again with a towel for another rise of 30 minutes until puffy and doubled. Meanwhile, get your oven preheated to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 35 minutes until their tops are golden and inviting.

Step 8: Brown the Butter and Prepare Icing

While the rolls bake, melt butter slowly in a small pan over medium heat until it foams and transforms from golden to a rich brown color, revealing nutty milk solids at the bottom. Remove from heat and let cool until spreadable. Beat this browned butter with softened cream cheese and icing sugar in a mixer until silky smooth. This frosting is what truly sets these cinnamon rolls apart with warmth and creaminess.

Step 9: Ice and Enjoy

Once the rolls come out of the oven, let them rest a few minutes before spooning on the browned butter cream cheese icing. The warmth from the rolls will gently soften the frosting, perfect for spreading. Then dive in and savor every sticky, flavorful bite of these Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing!

How to Serve Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing

Garnishes

For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle a little freshly chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the icing to add crunch and enhance the nutty notes from the browned butter. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices on the side can also make the presentation pop and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a simple cup of hot apple cider or a rich latte to round out a comforting breakfast or brunch spread. Light fruit salad or a creamy yogurt with honey and granola can balance the sweet richness, keeping your meal fresh and satisfying without overwhelming those amazing cinnamon rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or want a charming breakfast-in-bed moment, arrange the rolls on a rustic wooden board or a pretty ceramic platter. Add sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for visual interest, and wrap each roll loosely with a cinnamon stick tied on a ribbon for a whimsical homemade gift vibe. These twists make the Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing feel even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing left (which might be rare because they’re so irresistible), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and prevents the icing from drying out.

Freezing

These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months to enjoy the magic later. When you want a treat, thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring your rolls back to that fresh-baked warmth, heat them gently in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or place them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. If needed, add a little extra icing on top after warming for the ultimate gooey finish.

FAQs

Can I substitute apple cider with regular juice?

Absolutely! You can use apple juice instead of cider if cider is unavailable. The flavor will be a bit milder but still delicious. Just make sure it’s warm when combining with yeast to help it activate properly.

What type of apples work best for the filling?

For the best texture, choose firm apples that hold their shape when cooked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. They soften slightly but maintain a pleasant bite inside the rolls.

Can I make the rolls dairy-free?

Yes, swap the butter and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like margarine and vegan cream cheese. The texture might vary slightly, but you’ll still get that comforting, cinnamony goodness.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be nicely golden on top and feel set when gently pressed. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, never wet dough.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! After kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. The slow rise will develop even deeper flavor. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out and proceed with the recipe.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend making these Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing enough. They turn simple pantry items into an irresistible treat that’s bursting with seasonal warmth and cozy flavors. Whether for a special occasion, a weekend brunch, or just because you deserve a little sweetness, these rolls will fill your home with heavenly aromas and your heart with joy. Grab your ingredients, and let’s bake some happiness!

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