Print

Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing Recipe

Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Browned Butter Icing Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 22 reviews

Delicious Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with a rich browned butter icing, featuring a soft cinnamon dough filled with a sweet apple filling and a cinnamon brown sugar blend. This recipe combines the warm flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and browned butter for an irresistible breakfast or dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 2 ¼ tsp traditional dry yeast
  • ¾ cup warm apple cider (or juice)
  • 6 tbsp butter (melted)
  • 2 eggs (beaten)
  • ⅓ cup sugar (plus a pinch)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra)
  • 2 tbsp butter

Apple Filling

  • 4 apples (peeled and finely diced)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider (or juice)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch salt
  • 2 tbsp butter

Cinnamon Filling

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

Browned Butter Icing

  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 6 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 ½ 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 then set aside for the yeast to activate, about 5 minutes.
  2. Make the dough: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with dough hook, combine warm apple cider, melted butter, beaten eggs, sugar, and yeast mixture. Stir, then add flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with dough hook until dough starts to come together, scraping sides as needed. Add more flour if too sticky. Continue mixing on low speed for about 5 minutes until dough is soft and stretchy. Lightly knead on counter to form smooth ball.
  3. First rise: Transfer dough to greased bowl, rub with oil on top, cover with cling film or tea towel, and set in warm place to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare apple filling: While dough rises, melt 2 tbsp butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add diced apples with apple juice and lemon juice. Cook until apples soften but still have bite, about 3-4 minutes. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt. Add to apples and cook until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and cool completely.
  5. Prepare cinnamon filling: In a bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until fully combined.
  6. Assemble rolls: Punch down risen dough and roll out on floured surface into 18” x 10” rectangle. Spread cinnamon filling evenly over dough, then spread cooled apple filling on top gently. Spray 9” x 13” pan with non-stick spray. Roll dough starting from long side to form a log. Cut into 12 even pieces and place in pan. Cover with tea towel and let rise another 30 minutes until doubled in size.
  7. Make browned butter icing: Melt 6 tbsp butter in saucepan over medium heat. Let simmer until butter foams and milk solids brown, about 4-5 minutes, swirling pan for even browning. Remove from heat, cool until softened. In stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat browned butter and softened cream cheese until creamy. Add icing sugar and beat until smooth.
  8. Bake rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25 to 35 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from oven and cool a few minutes.
  9. Ice and serve: Drop browned butter icing onto warm rolls, allow to soften for a minute, then gently spread over rolls. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure yeast water temperature is between 105°F-115°F for proper activation.
  • Add flour gradually to avoid overly dry dough.
  • Cooling apple filling before spreading prevents soggy dough.
  • For best results, use freshly peeled and diced apples.
  • Browned butter icing adds depth of flavor compared to regular frosting.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat rolls gently in microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition

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

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