Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls filled with tender apples and smothered in crazy delicious icing. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe with you. Trust me, it’s a fan-freaking-tastic treat that’s soft, buttery, and perfectly spiced. Once you try these, you’ll find that they’re not only a great way to start a weekend morning but also the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a total kitchen pro.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe come together in a way that balances sweet, warm, and buttery notes. I always recommend using fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the apples and real maple syrup—it really shines through in the final flavor.

• Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast for a fluffy, tender dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: The magic behind the rise—fresh or recently tested works best.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep molasses sweetness to both dough and filling.
• Salted Butter: I use it room temperature for easy mixing and rich flavor.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough—adding a bit at a time keeps things just right.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Used in the filling for that sweet crunch combined with cinnamon.
• Cinnamon: The star spice that pairs effortlessly with apples.
• Honeycrisp Apples: My favorite for these rolls—they hold their shape but get perfectly tender.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tang and creaminess in the icing.
• Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup gives this icing its signature warm sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: For that smooth, spreadable texture in the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: A small but crucial touch in the icing for added depth.

Variations

I love how versatile this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with a few changes depending on the season or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own—this recipe is really forgiving and open to fun tweaks.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped regular flour for a gluten-free blend once and was amazed at how soft they still turned out—just check your flour’s rising instructions.
• Vegan Adaptation: Using flax eggs and dairy-free butter, plus a vegan cream cheese alternative, gave me lovely rolls that my friends couldn’t tell were vegan.
• Add Nuts or Raisins: Toss in chopped pecans or raisins to the filling for extra texture and a burst of flavor.
• Use Different Apples: While Honeycrisp is my fave, Granny Smith or Fuji also work beautifully and offer a slightly different tartness.

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

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast to Get Started

Begin by warming your milk until it’s pleasantly warm to the touch—not hot! Pour it into your mixer bowl along with the yeast and brown sugar. I’ve found letting this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s bubbly on top is key—it tells you the yeast is alive and well. If you don’t see bubbles, start over with fresh yeast to make sure your rolls rise beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Dough and Let It Rise

Add your room-temperature butter, eggs, 3 1/2 cups of flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook on your mixer, knead it about 4-5 minutes until everything is combined and the dough feels elastic and smooth. You’ll want to add the remaining flour if it’s sticky—but don’t go overboard or your rolls will be tough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this usually takes about an hour. I like to preheat my oven to its lowest setting, turn it off, and place the dough inside for a cozy rise.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling and Roll It Up

While the dough is rising, mix together your brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for that classic cinnamon roll filling. Butter a 9×13 baking dish so nothing sticks during baking. Once your dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle around 12 by 18 inches. Spread softened butter evenly across the dough, then sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture and chopped Honeycrisp apples on top. Rolling it tightly keeps those layers close, but don’t make it too tight or you’ll squeeze the filling out when cutting. Once rolled, pinch the edges to seal the dough log before slicing into 12-15 even rolls and placing them in your buttered pan.

Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise Again Before Baking

Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes. This second rise is vital—it gives your rolls that pillowy soft texture everyone loves. Keep an eye on them during this stage; they should puff up nicely but not overflow their pan.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) just before the second rise ends. Bake your rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. If you notice they’re browning too quickly on top, loosely tent with foil for the last 10 minutes to avoid burning.

Step 6: Whip Up the Brown Butter Maple Icing

While your rolls bake, melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat, swirling occasionally. Watch closely—it’ll bubble and then start to brown lightly with that wonderful nutty aroma, usually in 2-3 minutes. Take off the heat before it burns! In a mixing bowl, whisk your cream cheese until smooth, then add the maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Combine until silky—that icing is a dream drizzled over warm rolls, so don’t be shy with it.

Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy

Once the rolls come out of the oven, spread the brown butter maple icing generously over the top while they’re still warm. The icing will melt slightly and soak into the swirls—that’s the part I always savor. Serve immediately, grab a cozy mug of coffee or cider, and enjoy that homemade magic.

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

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple so the stars of the show—the rolls and icing—shine through. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans on top for texture and a warm, nutty finish. If you want a pop of color, thin apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar look beautiful and fresh.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls really stand on their own, but if you want a full autumn-inspired spread, pair them with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or fresh-pressed apple cider. A side of scrambled eggs or crispy bacon balances sweet with savory perfectly, especially when serving a weekend brunch crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve gifted these rolls in pretty clear bakery boxes lined with parchment paper, tied with rustic twine for friends and family during the holidays. I’ve also served them warm in a cast-iron skillet, right out of the oven, which keeps them cozy and encourages everyone to dig right in. For a party, you can slice them thinner and arrange them on a platter with fresh apple slices and a drizzle of leftover maple icing as a dipping sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rolls covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days, and surprisingly, they stay soft and moist. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them in an airtight container, but just be sure to let them come back to room temp or warm them gently before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cinnamon rolls both before and after baking. To freeze unbaked rolls, place the rolled and sliced buns on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, pop them in the pan and let them thaw and rise before baking. For baked rolls, wrap completely and freeze; thaw overnight and warm gently in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

To bring leftover or frozen rolls back to life, I heat them in a low oven around 300°F for about 10 minutes until warm and soft. You can also microwave a roll wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds, which keeps them moist but you might lose a bit of that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen and with my entire family. It hits all the right notes—fluffy dough, perfectly spiced apples, and that unforgettable brown butter maple icing. When I first tried making them, I was honestly amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so special. I promise, once you give this recipe a go, you’ll feel proud and probably want to make it again and again. So, grab your mixing bowl and give yourself that little homemade treat you absolutely deserve.

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