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Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Apple cinnamon rolls are filled with tender, cinnamon-sugar apples and baked until golden with soft, set centers. A fluffy whipped cream cheese frosting goes over the rolls while they’re still warm.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rising and cooling 2 hours 3 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 13 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 440
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the dough and apple filling
  • 0.75 cup whole milk warmed to 105-110°F
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg large, at room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk large, at room temperature
  • 0.33 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 3.5 cup all-purpose flour divided
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour divided
  • 1.125 tsp fine salt divided
  • nonstick cooking spray as needed for the bowl, work surface, and baking dish
  • 2 apples medium (about 2 cups), peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 0.33 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
For the frosting
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese softened
  • 1.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream

Equipment

  • 1 10-inch skillet
  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Make the dough
  1. Stir together the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar in a large bowl.
  2. Let the mixture stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
  3. Stir in the egg, egg yolk, and melted butter.
  4. Add 3 1/2 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt, and mix until shaggy.
  5. Knead the dough on a lightly sprayed work surface for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  6. Lightly spray a large bowl, place the dough in it, and cover.
  7. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
Cook the apple filling
  1. Put the apples and water in a 10-inch skillet, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes, until the apples begin to soften.
  2. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, remaining 1 tablespoon flour, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt.
  3. Cook uncovered, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes, until the apples are tender and the syrup has thickened.
  4. Transfer the filling to a bowl and cool completely.
Shape and bake
  1. Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish and a work surface.
  2. Roll the dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
  3. Spread the cooled filling over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
  4. Roll the dough up from a long edge into an 18-inch log, cut into 12 equal rolls, and arrange them in the baking dish.
  5. Cover the rolls and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
  6. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350°F.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and the center rolls look set.
  8. Let the rolls cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Make the frosting
  1. Beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth.
  2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla.
  3. Gradually beat in the heavy cream and whip for 2-3 minutes, until fluffy.
  4. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls.

Notes

For the softest rolls, let the apple filling cool completely before spreading it over the dough. Refrigerate frosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days; freeze them for up to 2 months. For a dairy-free variation, use plant-based milk, butter, cream cheese, and cream.