Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls

When it comes to comforting baked goods, few things can rival the warm, fluffy goodness of cinnamon rolls. Now, imagine that familiar taste elevated with the rich, spiced flavor of apple butter—a beloved fall staple. Apple butter cinnamon rolls combine the best of both worlds, transforming a classic breakfast treat into an indulgent dessert that radiates warmth and nostalgia. With every bite, you'll experience a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, making these rolls perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a sweet ending to a family dinner.

Discover the delightful twist on a classic favorite with these apple butter cinnamon rolls! Combining warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls with the rich flavor of apple butter, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Experience the comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere. With each bite, enjoy a scrumptious blend of sweetness and spice that evokes fond memories of family gatherings. Perfect for brunch or dessert, let the joy of baking and sharing these irresistible rolls fill your home with warmth and nostalgia.

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Ingredients

For the dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)

2 large eggs

For the filling:

1 cup apple butter (homemade or store-bought)

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 tbsp milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

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Instructions

Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it's frothy.

Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Combine everything: To the yeast mixture, add melted butter and eggs. Gradually stir in the flour mixture until a dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Roll out dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Apply apple butter and filling: Spread the softened butter evenly across the rolled-out dough. Follow by spreading the apple butter on top, and then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the apple butter.

Roll up the dough: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.

Slice the rolls: Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish, with cut sides up.

Second rise: Cover the rolls with a towel again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Preheat oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the rolls: Once risen, bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick.

Glaze the rolls: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.

Serve & enjoy: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delightful apple butter cinnamon rolls fresh!

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Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 3 hrs | Servings: 12