Description
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with spiced apple butter and topped with a rich maple cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy mornings or holiday baking.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope active dry yeast (1 tablespoon)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook if available, or knead by hand.
- Activate the yeast by mixing it with a small amount of milk and sugar. Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Whisk in remaining milk, sugar, eggs, and melted butter (add butter last).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is soft and stretchy, adding flour as needed.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes until doubled.
- Punch down dough and roll into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle (about 18×12 inches). Spread apple butter evenly over the surface.
- Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the apple butter.
- Roll the dough tightly from one long edge and slice into 12 rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch pan, cover, and let rise for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake rolls for 18–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- If the yeast does not foam during activation, discard and start with fresh yeast.
- Dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not sticky.
- Use dental floss or a sharp knife to slice rolls cleanly.
- If rolls brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil while baking.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate longer.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
