Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing Recipe

 

If you are searching for a delightful twist on a classic treat, look no further than these irresistible Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing. This recipe combines the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls with the fruity brightness of apple cider and tender apple bits, all topped with a heavenly browned butter cream cheese icing that elevates every bite. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast, these rolls fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and deliver a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing is all about simple, quality ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the yeasty dough to the spiced apple filling, every component plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color.

• ¼ cup warm water: Activates the yeast to give the dough its perfect rise.
• 2 ¼ tsp traditional dry yeast: Essential for making your dough light and fluffy.
• ¾ cup warm apple cider (or juice): Adds natural sweetness and a subtle fruity note to the dough.
• 6 tbsp butter (melted): Keeps the dough tender and rich.
• 2 eggs (beaten): Provide structure and moisture to the rolls.
• ⅓ cup sugar (plus a pinch): Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Infuses classic warm spice into the dough and filling.
• ¾ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra): Creates the soft, elastic base for your rolls.
• 2 tbsp butter: Used for cooking the apple filling to perfection.
• 4 apples (peeled and finely diced): Bring fresh, juicy texture and natural tartness.
• 2 tbsp apple cider (or juice): Helps soften apples while deepening flavor.
• 1 tsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances sweetness in the filling.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed): Sweetens and caramelizes the apple filling beautifully.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the apple sauce to avoid soggy rolls.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Spices up the apple filling with warmth and depth.
• Pinch salt: Enhances all the flavors in the filling.
• 8 tbsp or 1 stick butter (softened): The buttery base for the cinnamon filling.
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Makes the cinnamon filling irresistibly sweet and gooey.
• 1 tbsp cinnamon: Provides the signature cinnamon roll flavor punch.
• 6 tbsp butter: For browning and mixing into the luscious icing.
• 6 oz cream cheese (softened): Gives the icing a creamy tang and smooth texture.
• 2 ½ cups icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the browned butter icing to spreadable perfection.

How to Make Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Prepare the Dough

Begin by heating your water to a warm 105°F to 115°F, just like giving your yeast a cozy bath. Add a pinch of sugar and the yeast to the water, stirring briefly to combine, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This awakens the yeast and ensures your dough will rise beautifully, forming the soft base needed for those heavenly Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm apple cider, melted butter, beaten eggs, sugar, and the activated yeast mixture. Slowly add the flour, cinnamon, and salt, then mix on low speed. Once the dough begins to come together, keep kneading gently for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft, stretchy, and smooth. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in extra flour by tablespoons to avoid a tough texture later.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough ball to a greased bowl, rub a little oil on top to prevent drying, cover it with cling film or a tea towel, and place it somewhere warm. Let it rest for 1 to 1½ hours until it doubles in size. This step is crucial—it gives your rolls their fluffy, tender crumb that makes Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing so special.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough is rising, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced apples, apple cider, and lemon juice, cooking until the apples start to soften but still hold a bit of bite, about 3 to 4 minutes. Mix brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt separately, then stir the mixture into the apples. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat and let cool completely. This luscious apple filling brings a fresh burst of flavor nestled inside each cinnamon roll.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, stir together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined and smooth. This rich, gooey filling melds perfectly with the apple mixture and will spread easily across your rolled-out dough, contributing to every bite of these unforgettable Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing.

Step 6: Assemble the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 18 by 10-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, then drop the cooled apple filling over that and gently smooth it out. Roll the dough up lengthwise, slice it into 12 equal pieces with a sharp knife, and place them in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes or until puffy and doubled.

Step 7: Prepare the Browned Butter Icing

Water becomes magic when butter is browned, giving the icing its signature nutty flavor. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a pan over medium heat, swirling frequently until it foams and then clarifies with browned milk solids—about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to softened butter consistency. Beat this browned butter with cream cheese until creamy, then add icing sugar and mix until smooth. This luscious icing is what makes Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing utterly unforgettable.

Step 8: Bake and Ice the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F and bake your rolls for 25 to 35 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once out of the oven, allow the rolls to rest for a few minutes before generously slathering on the browned butter icing. The warmth of the rolls will soften the icing beautifully, creating a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth finish that you simply can’t resist.

How to Serve Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing

Garnishes

To add an extra touch of charm, sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the icing for crunch and nutty contrast. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra apple cider glaze can also enhance the flavors and presentation. Fresh apple slices on the side can add natural fruitiness and make your presentation pop at any brunch table.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea to complement their warm flavors. For a balanced meal, serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon, letting the sweet and savory mingle on your palate. A simple fruit salad or a bowl of Greek yogurt with honey can provide a refreshing accompaniment to this indulgent breakfast treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing into a showstopper by arranging them in individual ramekins for personal servings or shaping the dough into a large pull-apart ring for festive occasions. You can also drizzle extra browned butter icing over the top just before serving to keep things glossy and irresistibly inviting. Use seasonal apples or pumpkin spice accents for holiday variations that amaze guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the rolls soft and preserves the fresh, buttery icing. For longer storage, refrigeration is best to maintain freshness without losing the moist texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these rolls either before baking or after icing. For unbaked rolls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Freeze baked and iced rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to keep them from drying out; they will maintain their deliciousness when thawed gently overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm your rolls in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave them briefly on a low setting to retain that fresh-baked softness. To revive the icing’s creaminess, you can gently spread a little extra browned butter icing on top after reheating. These rolls taste best served warm, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular apple juice instead of apple cider?

Absolutely! While apple cider adds a touch more depth and natural tang, regular apple juice works just fine and keeps the dough moist and flavorful.

Is it necessary to brown the butter for the icing?

Browning the butter is what gives the icing its signature nutty richness and complex flavor you won’t get otherwise. It’s worth the few extra minutes for that delicious upgrade!

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. This can even enhance the flavor while saving you time on baking day.

What type of apples work best for the filling?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect because they hold their shape and add fresh brightness without becoming mushy.

How thick should I roll out the dough?

Rolling the dough to about ¼-inch thick ensures soft rolls that rise well without being too dense, offering the perfect balance for Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the comforting, sweet aroma that fills the kitchen when you bake Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or savoring a quiet moment alone, these rolls are pure joy in every bite. So tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this warm, delicious experience—you’re going to love every moment of making and eating them!

 

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