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+ servings

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

Soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced...just the autumn breakfast we’re all looking for!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 545

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • ▢ 1 cup warm milk
  • ▢ 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ▢ 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
  • ▢ 3 large eggs
  • ▢ 3 1/2 -4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ▢ 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Apple Filling
  • ▢ 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • ▢ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • ▢ 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
  • ▢ 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped
Brown Butter Maple Icing
  • ▢ 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
  • ▢ 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ▢ 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • ▢ 2-3 cups powdered sugar
  • ▢ 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. 1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the milk, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes, until bubbly on top. Add the butter, eggs, 3 1/2 cups flour, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix until the flour is completely incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough is still sticky, add the additional 1/2 cup flour, adding more as needed until the dough is smooth to touch.2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour or until doubled in size.3. Meanwhile, mix the filling. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, sugar, and cinnamon. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.4. Punch the dough down and roll out onto a lightly floured surface, creating a large rectangle about 12 x 18 inches. Spread the butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle on the apples and cinnamon sugar. Starting with the long edge closest to you, roll the dough into a log, keeping it tight as you go. When you reach the edge, pinch along the edge to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12-15 rolls. Place the rolls into the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 20-30 minutes.5. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.6. Meanwhile, make the icing. Add the butter to a pot set over medium heat. Allow the butter to brown lightly until it smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat. To a bowl with the cream cheese in it, whisk in the maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Spread the icing over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 545kcal

Notes

Browning the butter for the icing is a key culinary technique that adds a nutty, complex flavor to the glaze. This Maillard reaction enhances the depth of flavor, making the icing not just sweet but rich and aromatic, elevating the overall taste of the cinnamon rolls.

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