Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something undeniably appealing about homemade cinnamon rolls. The warm, sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake, the anticipation of pulling apart those soft, gooey layers, and the comforting feeling that comes from creating something delicious from scratch all contribute to the irresistible allure of this classic treat. While traditional cinnamon rolls are already a favorite for many, adding a unique twist with apple butter elevates this beloved recipe to new heights. The rich, spiced flavor of apple butter complements the cinnamon and sugar filling beautifully, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth that’s ideal for any occasion.

Indulge in the comforting delight of Heavenly Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls! This delightful recipe elevates traditional cinnamon rolls by incorporating rich, spiced apple butter for a unique flavor twist. Imagine the warm aroma filling your kitchen as you create these soft, gooey rolls from scratch. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls promise a heavenly experience with every bite. Enjoy the joy of baking and the warmth of sharing them with loved ones!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp instant yeast

1 tsp salt

1 cup warm milk (110°F)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

For the Filling:

1 cup apple butter

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tbsp milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

In a small bowl, mix together the apple butter, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and softened butter until well combined.

Roll the Dough:

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16x24 inches). Spread the apple butter filling evenly over the surface of the dough.

Shape the Rolls:

Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spacing them out evenly.

Second Rise:

Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they puff up again.

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. During the last 5 minutes of baking, keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

Make the Glaze:

While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as necessary.

Glaze the Rolls:

Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top.

Serve:

Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful flavors of apple butter and cinnamon in every bite!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 25 mins | 2 hrs | 12 servings