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- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk with the granulated sugar and yeast. Stir to dissolve, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to go!
In a larger bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture and stir well. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and elastic.
Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes soft and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the apple filling. In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. This will create a sticky, flavorful filling that will complement the soft dough beautifully.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, and then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Carefully roll the dough up tightly, starting from one of the long edges. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it and cut the roll into 9-12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
4. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up and expand. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Bake the Rolls:
Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the apples are bubbly. The sweet smell of cinnamon and apples will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
6. Glaze the Rolls:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Once the rolls are done baking and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes the rolls even more irresistible.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea, and watch them disappear in no time!
Why I Bake Apple Rolls Three Times a Week:
- The Flavor: The combination of tender dough, sweet apples, and cinnamon is simply addictive. Every bite is a perfect balance of flavors, and the warm glaze on top makes them even more indulgent.
- Comforting and Cozy: There’s something about the smell of fresh-baked apple rolls that makes everything feel cozy. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a rainy afternoon, these rolls always bring a sense of comfort.
- Quick and Easy: Despite the multiple steps, these apple rolls are relatively easy to make. The dough comes together quickly, and the filling is simple to prepare. Plus, the second rise gives you time to relax while you wait for them to puff up in the oven.
- A Treat for the Whole Family: I love making these rolls because everyone in my house enjoys them. Whether it’s for breakfast, an after-school snack, or a dessert, they never last long. The fact that they’re so easy to bake means I’m happy to make them regularly, knowing they’ll be devoured almost immediately!
- Customizable: While the apple-cinnamon filling is my favorite, you can easily switch it up. You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts, a dash of nutmeg, or even a swirl of caramel sauce for added richness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious treat to enjoy with your family, these apple rolls should be at the top of your list. Their irresistible combination of sweet apples, cinnamon, and soft dough, topped with a sweet glaze, makes them the perfect indulgence. And the best part? You can make them easily at home and enjoy them fresh out of the oven whenever the craving strikes.
Now, with my favorite apple rolls baking in the oven three times a week, I know that my family is always just a few hours away from enjoying something sweet and comforting. Try this recipe for yourself, and I’m sure you’ll be making them just as often as I do!
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