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Easy Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing. Just the autumn breakfast weâre all looking for. Buttery, soft, and fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and sweet Honeycrisp apples. Each roll is frosted generously with a warming brown butter and maple icing that melts into every nook and cranny. Thereâs nothing not to love, every bite is melt in your mouth delicious.
Cinnamon rolls hold a special place in my kitchen, and by that, I really just mean that we love them to pieces. Growing up, my mom would occasionally buy the cinnamon rolls that come from the can around the holidays. My brothers and I LOVED them. We looked forward to these cinnamon roll breakfasts every single year.
These days we all know I choose to make my own, but still, we love a good cinnamon roll. And you know? Homemade really is best, and they’re really not that difficult to make.
These apple cinnamon rolls are no exception. Everything from the rolls to the icing is pretty close to perfect. They might take a little time to make, because of the rising. But besides that, they really are quite easy.
And the smells coming from the kitchen as they bake? Mmm, too good.
The dough is the simplest to make. Simply mix the yeast with warm milk and a small touch of brown sugar. It’s important to let that mix sit for a few minutes to allow the yeast to “activate”.
Next, add the butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Mix until smooth and let the dough rest until doubled in size. Then itâs time to shape the rolls.
It’s super simple. I love to use a mix of brown sugar, sugar, and cinnamon for the best consistency. The brown sugar adds a nice depth of flavor. And I go heavy on the cinnamon for sweet cinnamon swirls throughout.
And of course, the apples. I like to use Honeycrisp apples, and yes, I do leave the skin on! If you prefer no skin, be sure to peel the apples first.
Spread the dough with butter, then sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar, and apples. Roll the dough up into a log, slice, and bake.
The smells coming from the oven will be perfect. Think…fall candle and Christmas morning combined.
Brown the butter and mix it with the cream cheese, maple syrup, sugar, and a touch of vanilla. The maple is key. It pairs so well with the apples and cinnamon.
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, frost, serve, and enjoy every last sweet and delicious bite. Theyâre soft, fluffy, heavy in the cinnamon swirl, and perfectly spiced with warm autumn flavors.
And gooey, SO gooey. These rolls are beyond good. Great for all the crisp fall weekends to come!
Looking for other cinnamon recipes? Here are a few ideas:
Easy Fluffy Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze
Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Latte Cupcakes with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Frosting
Lastly, if you make these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, donât forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
How do you store the icing for a few days? Would I put it in an airtight container and then in the refrigerator? I made these and theyâre incredible!!
Thanks so much, Justine! Love to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! You bet, that will work nicely for you. Have the best weekend! xx
I assume you can make the frosting ahead and let it come to room temp while the rolls sit/bake? Will it break?
Hi Dave,
Yes, that will be just fine for you to do! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try! Happy November! x
The icing directions are confusing. After you brown the butter do you add it to the bowl with the remaining ingredients? I’ve prepped these for Thanksgiving brunch and will be freezing until then. Can’t wait to try them!
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for giving this recipe a try! Yes, that is correct, sorry for any confusion! I hope these are enjoyed:) xx
Oh my goodness!! I just made these for my boyfriend to wake up to on his birthday post night shift, as Iâve been talking about making them for ages now. They were incredible, came out so soft and fluffy on the inside, beautifully golden on the outside and the maple cream cheese icing was perfection. What a delicious treat!
Hey Kate,
Thanks so much:) So glad to hear your boyfriend enjoyed this recipe, I appreciate you giving it a try! xT
Can you use almond milk rather than regular milk?
Hi Rachel,
Yes, that will work nicely for you! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xT
Can I use instant yeast/fresh yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Hey Jesica,
You bet, just mix that right in with the flour! I hope you love this recipe! xT