If you’re craving that ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch treat, I want to share with you my absolute favorite Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm apple and cinnamon flavors, all topped off with a silky, nutty brown butter maple icing that will have your family asking for seconds (or thirds!). When I first tried this recipe, I discovered a few tricks that made all the difference, and I’m excited to pass those along to you so your rolls come out stunning every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Soft and Fluffy: The dough is tender but sturdy, giving you rolls that melt in your mouth without falling apart.
- Seasonal Apple Goodness: Honeycrisp apples add the perfect balance of sweet and tart to the cinnamon-spiced filling.
- Unique Brown Butter Maple Icing: This isn’t your average glaze—the nutty brown butter deepens the flavor, and the maple syrup gives a natural sweetness with depth.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a weekend treat, these rolls impress every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe plays a special role. From the yeast that helps the dough rise beautifully, to the cinnamon and apples that create that irresistible filling, everything works in harmony. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll want to have on hand before you start.
- Warm Milk: Helps to activate the yeast and keeps the dough soft.
- Active Dry Yeast: Choose fresh yeast for the best rise and fluffiness in your dough.
- Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and moisture, both in the dough and filling.
- Salted Butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing and a creamy texture.
- Large Eggs: They enrich the dough and help bind everything together.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure; measuring carefully will keep your dough from getting too sticky or dry.
- Kosher Salt: A little touch balances the sweetness and boosts flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: Works perfectly in the cinnamon sugar mix for sprinkling.
- Cinnamon: This spice makes the filling smell heavenly and taste warm and comforting.
- Honeycrisp Apples: Their crisp texture and tart-sweetness stand up well to baking.
- Cream Cheese: The base of the icing, making it luxuriously creamy.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor boost in the icing.
- Powdered Sugar: For a smooth, sweet icing that’s easy to spread.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings all the flavors together in the icing.
Variations
I love how versatile this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe is—it’s easy to tweak to suit your mood or dietary needs, and each variation adds its own special touch. Don’t hesitate to get creative with what you have!
- Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped all-purpose flour for a mix of gluten-free flour blends and added a little xanthan gum — the rolls were slightly denser but still delicious if you need a gluten-free option.
- Vegan Adaptation: Try using plant-based butters, almond milk, and flax eggs; it takes some adjusting, but the brown butter maple icing can be swapped out for a simple maple glaze.
- Adding Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the apples add a wonderful crunch that my family adores.
- Different Apples: If you can’t find Honeycrisp, Gala or Fuji apples work well—just keep them firm so they don’t turn mushy during baking.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough
Start by warming your milk—it should feel cozy, like bathwater, around 100-110°F to give the yeast a perfect environment to bloom. In the stand mixer bowl, combine your warm milk, yeast, and brown sugar and let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes; you’ll notice a bubbly foam rising on top—this is your sign the yeast is alive and ready. I learned not to rush this step, because it ensures your dough rises beautifully. After that, add the softened butter, eggs, 3 1/2 cups of flour, and salt. With the dough hook attachment on medium speed, mix everything for about 4 to 5 minutes. The dough should be smooth and just a little sticky; if it feels too wet, slowly add extra flour up to 1/2 cup until it’s manageable but still soft to the touch.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and find a warm spot in your kitchen for the dough to rest. When I make these rolls in cooler weather, I sometimes warm my oven for just a minute and then turn it off before placing the dough inside to rise. Give it about an hour or until it doubles in size—this step is key for fluffy rolls, so patience really pays off here.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling and Baking Dish
While the dough is doing its magic, mix up the filling by combining your brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Butter your 9×13 inch baking dish generously—trust me, this keeps the rolls from sticking and adds that slight buttery crust on the edges we all love.
Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently—a satisfying move I always enjoy—it releases air and makes the dough easier to handle. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly across the rolled dough. Next comes the best part—sprinkle the chopped apples over the butter, followed by the cinnamon sugar mixture. Rolling can feel tricky at first, but start at the long edge closest to you and roll it up tightly like a jelly roll. When you reach the end, pinch the edge to seal it so your filling doesn’t sneak out during baking. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 to 15 even rolls and place them snugly into your prepared dish. Cover with plastic wrap again and let them rise for 20 to 30 minutes; this second rise makes all the difference for those soft, fluffy layers.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are lightly browned, and they smell incredible—in fact, your kitchen will smell like a little piece of heaven. If you want to check doneness, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Maple Icing
This icing is my favorite part! Melt your butter over medium heat in a small pot. Watch it closely—the butter will start to foam and then turn golden brown and smell nutty in just 2-3 minutes. That’s when you know you’ve nailed the brown butter. Remove it from heat quickly to avoid burning. In a bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Then spread this luscious icing generously over your warm rolls for the ultimate indulgence.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe
- Warm Your Ingredients: I keep my butter and cream cheese at room temperature to ensure the dough and icing mix perfectly without lumps.
- Don’t Over-Flour the Dough: Adding too much flour can make your rolls dense; aim for a slightly sticky but manageable dough.
- Tight Rolling: Rolling the dough tightly helps keep the filling in place and makes neat slices that rise evenly.
- Watch Your Brown Butter Closely: Butter can go from browned to burnt quickly; take it off the heat once it smells nutty and turns golden.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep the garnishes simple to let the rolls shine, but a few toasted pecans sprinkled on top of the icing add a delightful crunch and enhance the nutty brown butter flavor. Sometimes, a small dusting of extra cinnamon or a few thin apple slices make for a beautiful, rustic presentation.
Side Dishes
These rolls are rich, so I usually serve them alongside something light and refreshing like a mixed green salad with a tart vinaigrette or fresh fruit salad to balance out the sweetness. For a brunch spread, crispy bacon or scrambled eggs make a great savory complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or special gatherings, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circular bundt pan for a pull-apart effect that looks stunning and encourages sharing. Another fun idea is making mini rolls in a muffin tin for individual servings—perfect for parties or gifting to friends!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s warm where you live, refrigeration helps keep the cream cheese icing fresh, though I always bring the rolls back to room temp before serving.
Freezing
I’ve had great results freezing the baked rolls without icing—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, pop them warm in the oven for 5-10 minutes, and make fresh icing to drizzle on top. This way, they taste just as fresh as day one!
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the rolls with foil to keep them from drying out and warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes. If you have leftover icing, I usually rewhip it quickly and drizzle it on warm rolls—so good!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness with a firm texture, you can substitute Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn apples. Just make sure to choose apples that hold up well during baking to avoid mushy filling.
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How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size during the rising phases. A good test is to gently poke the dough with your finger; if the indentation stays and doesn’t quickly bounce back, your dough has risen sufficiently and is ready for the next step.
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Can I prepare the rolls the night before and bake them in the morning?
Yes! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. The dough will slowly rise in the fridge. Take them out about 30 minutes before baking to come to room temperature, then proceed with baking as directed.
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What if I don’t have brown butter? Can I skip it?
You can skip browning the butter, but browning adds a rich, nutty flavor that takes the icing from good to unforgettable. If you’re short on time, melted butter works fine too—just know the flavor won’t be quite as deep.
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Is it possible to make these rolls dairy-free or vegan?
Yes, with some substitutions like using plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cream cheese alternatives, you can make a dairy-free or vegan version. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary slightly, and you might want to adjust rising times depending on your ingredients.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe warm my heart every time I make them. They’re the perfect way to welcome a chilly morning or celebrate a special occasion with loved ones. I know you’ll enjoy the cozy aromas and sweet, spiced bites as much as my family does, and I truly hope they become one of your go-to recipes too—because not much beats fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls slathered with that luscious brown butter maple glaze. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
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Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls topped with a luscious Brown Butter Maple Icing. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and filled with tender honeycrisp apples, these rolls make a comforting autumn breakfast or treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped
Brown Butter Maple Icing
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly on top, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add the room temperature butter, eggs, 3 1/2 cups of flour, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, mix for 4-5 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth. If the dough is sticky, gradually add up to an additional 1/2 cup of flour until it is manageable to touch.
- First rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling and baking dish: While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle. Evenly spread 6 tablespoons of softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the chopped Honeycrisp apples and the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal, then use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12-15 equal rolls.
- Second rise: Place the rolls cut side up into the prepared baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for an additional 20-30 minutes until slightly puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the brown butter maple icing: While the rolls bake, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a pot over medium heat, letting it brown lightly and develop a toasted nutty aroma, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, maple syrup, powdered sugar (start with 2 cups, adding more for desired consistency), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Ice and serve: Once the rolls are warm from the oven, spread the brown butter maple icing generously over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp apples or any crisp tart apple variety for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing of the icing.
- If you prefer sweeter rolls, add more powdered sugar to the icing to taste.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and warmed before serving.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm draft-free area for optimal yeast activity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 545
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
