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Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

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Delight in these warm, soft Apple Cinnamon Rolls finished with a rich Brown Butter Maple Icing. The recipe features a homemade yeast dough filled with cinnamon sugar and fresh Honeycrisp apples, baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy, flavorful icing that combines browned butter, maple syrup, and cream cheese for a decadent treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 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

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
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast mixture: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly on top, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Mix dough: Add the room temperature butter, eggs, 3 1/2 cups of the flour, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, mix the dough until the flour is fully incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough remains sticky, gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup flour or more as needed until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky to touch.
  3. First rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Prepare filling and pan: While the dough rises, in a small bowl mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  5. Shape rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12 x 18-inch large rectangle. Evenly spread the 6 tablespoons of butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture and chopped Honeycrisp apples on top. Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Seal the edge by pinching it closed. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 to 15 even rolls.
  6. Second rise: Place the rolls into the prepared baking dish evenly spaced. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for 20 to 30 minutes until puffed.
  7. Bake rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
  8. Make brown butter: While the rolls bake, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a pot over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter until it browns lightly and emits a toasted aroma, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat promptly to avoid burning.
  9. Prepare icing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese with the maple syrup, 2-3 cups powdered sugar (to desired sweetness and consistency), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
  10. Glaze rolls and serve: Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, spread the brown butter maple icing generously over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet apple, cinnamon, and rich icing flavors.

Notes

  • Use Honeycrisp apples for a sweet and slightly tart flavor that holds its texture well while baking.
  • Adjust powdered sugar in the icing to your preferred consistency and sweetness.
  • Ensure the butter is browned but not burnt for the best flavor in the icing.
  • You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate for a slow rise; bring back to room temperature before shaping.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat slightly before serving to enjoy the best texture.