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Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing Recipe

Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

These Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing are a perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough infused with warm cinnamon and apple flavors. Featuring a tender apple filling cooked with apple cider and brown sugar, these rolls are topped with a rich and creamy browned butter cream cheese icing. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, they offer a comforting twist on the classic cinnamon roll.

Ingredients

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Apple Cider Cinnamon Roll Dough

  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 2 1/4 tsp traditional dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm apple cider, or juice
  • 6 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/3 cup sugar, plus a pinch
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra

Apple Filling

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 apples, peeled and finely diced
  • 2 tbsp apple cider, or juice
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch salt

Cinnamon Filling

  • 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon

Browned Butter Cream Cheese Icing

  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups icing sugar

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Heat the water to between 105°F and 115°F, add a pinch of sugar and the yeast. Stir briefly and set aside for about 5 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes frothy.
  2. Make Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm apple cider, melted butter, beaten eggs, sugar, and the yeast mixture. Stir to combine, then add the flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix on low speed until the dough begins to come together.
  3. Knead Dough: Scrape down the sides periodically and if the dough is too sticky, add additional flour a tablespoon at a time. Continue mixing on low speed for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft and stretchy. Remove and knead lightly on a floured surface into a smooth ball.
  4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, rub a little oil on top, cover with cling film or a tea towel, and place in a warm spot to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare Apple Filling: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced apples, apple cider, and lemon juice. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until apples soften. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt until no lumps remain.
  6. Thicken Apple Filling: Add the sugar mixture to the apples, cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  7. Make Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, blend softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined.
  8. Assemble Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a floured surface to an 18” by 10” rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then drop and gently spread the apple filling on top. Roll up starting from the long side and cut into 12 equal slices.
  9. Second Rise: Place rolls cut side up in a sprayed 9” by 13” baking pan. Cover with a tea towel and allow to rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
  10. Prepare Browned Butter Icing: Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until the butter browns and milk solids turn golden (about 4 to 5 minutes). Remove from heat and cool to softened butter consistency.
  11. Mix Icing: In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the cooled browned butter with softened cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add icing sugar and beat until smooth.
  12. Bake Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 35 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
  13. Ice Rolls: Spoon the browned butter cream cheese icing onto the warm rolls and gently spread to cover. Let icing soften and serve.

Notes

  • Use warm liquids to activate the yeast properly, but avoid overheating which can kill the yeast.
  • Finely dice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking in the filling.
  • Store any leftover rolls tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon filling if desired.
  • These rolls can be frozen after baking and cooling; thaw and warm before serving.
  • Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolls to avoid squishing the dough.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cinnamon rolls, browned butter icing, apple filling, cinnamon rolls recipe, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/apple-cider-cinnamon-rolls-with-browned-butter-icing-recipe/