Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

I absolutely love how these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe come together—there’s something so comforting about the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen. These rolls are perfect for Sunday brunch or a cozy weekend treat when you want to impress friends or family with a homemade delight that tastes like it took hours but is surprisingly manageable.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the brown butter in the icing adds a nutty, deep flavor that perfectly complements the sweet apple filling. You’ll find that the soft, tender dough rolled around warm cinnamon-spiced apples makes for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s downright addictive.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients work so well together to create a balance of sweet, buttery, and spicy flavors. I always recommend using fresh, high-quality apples like Honeycrisp for the best natural sweetness and texture in your filling.

• Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and ensures your dough rises perfectly.
• Active dry yeast: Make sure it’s fresh for a good, fluffy rise.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to both dough and filling.
• Salted butter: Room temperature butter blends easily; salted butter adds just the right touch of savory balance.
• Eggs: Provide richness and structure to the dough.
• All-purpose flour: The base for your dough—start with 3 1/2 cups and add more if needed for softness without stickiness.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors.
• Granulated sugar: Works with brown sugar in the filling for a perfect balance.
• Cinnamon: No apple cinnamon roll is complete without this warm, fragrant spice.
• Honeycrisp apples: Crisp and sweet apples hold up well in baking without turning mushy.
• Cream cheese: Makes the icing luxuriously smooth and tangy.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with brown butter.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing to a perfect consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and aroma to the icing.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this recipe depending on the season or my mood—sometimes I tweak the fillings or switch up the icing flavors. Don’t hesitate to make it your own, after all, that’s half the fun!

• Adding nuts: I often sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling for a lovely crunch that balances the soft rolls.
• Dairy-free version: Swap the butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives and see how well it still works for a vegan-friendly twist.
• Spiced icing: Some cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg stirred into the brown butter maple icing takes the warmth to the next level.
• Caramel drizzle: For festive occasions, I drizzle caramel sauce on top of the icing to make it extra indulgent.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast and prepare your dough

Start by warming the milk until it’s just shy of hot—aim for about 110°F. Mix in the active dry yeast and brown sugar, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets bubbly on top. This step is crucial because it tells you that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Once bubbly, add your room-temperature butter, eggs, 3 1/2 cups of flour, and salt. Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix for about 4-5 minutes until the flour is fully absorbed and the dough pulls away from the sides. If it’s still sticky, gradually add up to another 1/2 cup of flour, but be careful not to add too much – the dough should be soft and smooth to the touch.

Step 2: Let the dough rise

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This slow rise allows the flavors to develop and ensures your rolls will be delightfully soft and fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the apple cinnamon filling and baking dish

While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl—that’s your cinnamon sugar filling base. Don’t forget to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to make sure your rolls won’t stick once baked.

Step 4: Roll, fill, and slice your cinnamon rolls

Punch down the dough and transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a big rectangle about 12 by 18 inches. Spread softened butter evenly across the whole surface, then sprinkle the chopped Honeycrisp apples followed by the cinnamon sugar mixture all over. Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the edge closed to seal in the filling. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 to 15 slices and arrange them snuggly in the buttered baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap again and let the rolls rise for another 20-30 minutes; they’ll puff right up and look ready to bake.

Step 5: Bake until golden perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the rolls in and bake for 25-30 minutes or until their tops turn a mouthwatering golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking, as every oven acts a bit differently.

Step 6: Make the irresistible brown butter maple icing

While your rolls bake, melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat and let it brown lightly—this takes about 2-3 minutes and releases that beautiful nutty aroma I love. Remove from heat and whisk it together with room-temperature cream cheese, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Once the rolls come out warm, slather this icing generously on top—you’ll be amazed how the flavors marry and add a glossy, luscious finish.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pretty touch, I like to sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of cinnamon over the icing once it’s set slightly. A few thin apple slices or a drizzle of extra maple syrup also make for beautiful and tasty garnishes.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a simple cup of black coffee or chai tea, and if you’re serving brunch, a fresh fruit salad or lightly scrambled eggs balance the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve also tried serving these rolls on a tiered cake stand for holiday gatherings, making it feel extra special and inviting. Wrapping individual rolls in parchment and tying them with twine makes a lovely edible gift, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft without drying out. I recommend warming them slightly before serving, as that fresh-baked feel really brings them back to life.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked, sliced rolls before by wrapping the pan tightly in plastic and foil—then I just thaw overnight and bake fresh the next day. You can also freeze baked rolls without icing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, which makes for a quick treat anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, then drizzle with fresh icing or warm any leftover icing slightly before spreading. Microwaving works for a quick warm-up, but it can make the rolls a bit soggy if you’re not careful.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort food staples—and I can’t recommend it enough. There’s something so heartwarming about baking these rolls that fill your home with sweet, cozy scents, and sharing them around the table makes any day feel special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too.

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