Apple Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Soft Bakery Style Recipe

These apple cinnamon rolls are soft, warm, and full of bright apple flavor. You can make them at home with simple steps and basic tools. The dough stays tender and light because it uses yeast and a gentle rise. Inside, diced apples cook with brown sugar and cinnamon to make a sweet, slightly tart filling. A smooth vanilla glaze melts over warm rolls to make a glossy finish that looks like a bakery treat. You will like how easy the recipe feels: make the dough, cook the apples, roll, slice, and bake. The method gives consistent, soft rolls that stay fresh for days when you store them the right way. This recipe works for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon, or a small gathering. You can mix the filling before the dough rises. The steps are clear and the timing is forgiving. If you follow the directions, you get tender layers, sweet pockets of apple, and a shiny glaze on top. These rolls give comfort, sweet spice, and that home bakery touch with little fuss. They also warm a kitchen with spice and offer a great snack with coffee or milk. The recipe is built to be forgiving for bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Soft Bakery Style Recipe

You will love these Apple Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Soft Bakery Style Recipe because they stay soft and taste like a bakery treat. The dough makes light, fluffy layers that rise well. Cooked apple pieces add texture and fresh fruit flavor that pairs with warm cinnamon. The brown sugar filling gives deep, sweet notes without being too strong. The glaze adds a smooth, sweet finish that melts into the rolls. The recipe uses simple ingredients and clear steps so new bakers can follow along. The whole process grows your baking skills and gives a cozy, tasty result for many moments.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Soft Bakery Style Recipe

Follow a few clear steps and you will have soft, bakery-style apple cinnamon rolls. Proof the yeast in warm milk, make a smooth dough, and let it rise until doubled. While the dough rests, cook the diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon so they soften and release their flavor. Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread butter and cinnamon sugar, add the cooled apples, and roll into a log. Slice into 12 pieces, let them rise briefly, then bake until golden. Finish with a simple vanilla glaze while the rolls are warm for the best look and taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 and 1 quarter cups all-purpose flour, 2 and 1 quarter teaspoons dry yeast, 3 quarter cup warm milk, 1 quarter cup granulated sugar, 1 quarter cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 large egg, 1 half teaspoon salt, 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced, 1 half cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 third cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk or cinnamon milk, 1 half teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Warm the milk until it is just warm to the touch, not hot. Pour it into a large mixing bowl and add the sugar and dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to leaven the dough.
2. Add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.
3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes or until doubled in size. This rise develops structure and flavor, which is essential for soft apple cinnamon buns.
4. While the dough rises, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples soften slightly and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
5. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle about 16 by 12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter.
6. Spread the cooled apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon layer. Keep the filling balanced so it does not spill out when rolling.
7. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between each roll.
8. Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30 minutes until puffy. This step ensures light texture and even baking.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The centers should be soft but fully set.
10. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls for a glossy finish.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Soft Bakery Style Recipe

Serve these rolls warm for the best taste and texture. Let them cool for a few minutes after baking so the glaze sets slightly, but serve while centers stay soft. Plate one or two rolls per person and pour extra glaze for anyone who likes a sweeter finish. These rolls pair well with coffee, tea, or milk. For a small gathering, place the pan in the center of the table so guests can help themselves. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to freshen a stored roll.

How to Store Apple Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Soft Bakery Style Recipe

Cool the rolls completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place the rolls in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To freeze, wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a low oven, then reapply glaze if needed.

Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Soft Bakery Style Recipe

• Use apples that hold their shape when cooked, like Fuji or Gala.
• Let the apple filling cool before adding to the dough to avoid a soggy roll.
• Roll the dough tightly to keep the layers even and neat.
• Use unflavored dental floss to cut clean slices without squashing the rolls.
• Watch the oven in the last minutes to avoid overbaking; centers should stay soft.

Recipe Variations (if any)

• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for crunch.
• Stir a pinch of nutmeg into the cinnamon sugar for warm spice notes.
• Swap the vanilla glaze for a cream cheese glaze if you like a tangy finish.
• Make mini rolls by cutting smaller slices for bite-size treats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen apples for the filling?
A: You can, but thaw and drain them well so the filling does not add too much liquid. Cook them until the mix thickens.

Q: How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
A: The dough should double in size and hold a slight indent when you press it gently with a finger.

Q: Can I make the dough the night before?
A: Yes. After the first rise, refrigerate the dough in a covered bowl overnight. Let it warm and rise before shaping.

Conclusion

For a soft, bakery-style roll with bright apple flavor, try the method in this recipe and compare tips from Cloudy Kitchen’s soft-baked apple cinnamon rolls guide to learn more about apple fillings and baking notes. If you want extra tips on making tender cinnamon rolls and neat rolls, see the step ideas at Broma Bakery’s homemade cinnamon rolls (soft + fluffy).

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