Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe

I absolutely love waking up to the sweet aroma of fresh Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe baking in the oven. These rolls are the perfect cozy treat, bursting with tender apples and a warm cinnamon spice that feels like a hug in pastry form. What really makes it special is that rich, nutty brown butter maple icing that I swear makes everyone go crazy for these rolls during brunch or as a comforting afternoon snack.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to get a bakery-level taste right in my own kitchen. You’ll find that the combination of soft, fluffy dough with the luscious apple filling and that irresistible icing turns ordinary cinnamon rolls into an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s weekend breakfast or a holiday morning, these rolls are totally worth the effort and will soon become your go-to sweet treat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe really comes together through simple, everyday ingredients—but with a twist like the brown butter and real maple syrup that elevate it. Let’s chat about the key players and how to pick the best versions.

• Warm Milk: Use whole milk or 2% for that creamy dough texture, warmed just to baby bath temperature (around 100°F) to activate the yeast perfectly.
• Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh so your dough rises beautifully. I like proofing mine in warm milk to see those bubbles.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep molasses sweetness both in dough and filling; packed tightly for best measure.
• Salted Butter: Room temperature for easy mixing and flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
• Eggs: They give the dough richness and help create that tender crumb we all love.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides just the right structure; I always weigh mine for accuracy.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Cinnamon: The warm spice that’s essential for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
• Honeycrisp Apples: Crisp and sweet, the perfect apple to soften but not turn mushy.
• Granulated Sugar: Works with brown sugar in the filling for perfect caramelization.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tang to the icing, balancing the sweetness for a luscious finish.
• Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup (not maple-flavored syrup) is the secret to that irresistible maple flavor in the icing.
• Powdered Sugar: To get the icing smooth and creamy without any grit.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors in both dough and icing.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe depending on the season or who I’m serving. Feel free to customize it to your taste or dietary needs—these rolls are super forgiving and welcoming to tweaks!

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend once and ended up with slightly denser but still delicious rolls—just watch the dough moisture closely.
• Adding Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled into the filling add a welcome crunch that my family absolutely loves.
• Spice it Up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the cinnamon sugar, giving the rolls a more complex fall flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter substitute and coconut cream cheese for the icing, and you’ll still get that same indulgent texture.

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

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar in your stand mixer’s bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until you see bubbles or foam on the surface—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work. Then add softened butter, eggs, most of the flour, and salt. Use your dough hook to mix for 4-5 minutes until everything comes together into a smooth, slightly tacky dough. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but go easy—you want it soft, not dry.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature. In about an hour, your dough should double in size. This rise makes all the difference, creating airy, fluffy rolls without any tough bites.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Cinnamon Filling and Roll Out the Dough

While the dough is rising, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Butter your baking dish so the rolls won’t stick and get a nice crisp bottom. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread your room temp butter evenly, sprinkle chopped apples generously, then cover with your cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 4: Shape and Slice Your Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s a trick I learned: roll the dough tightly starting with the long edge closest to you to keep those beautiful spirals intact. When you hit the edge, pinch it closed so your filling stays put. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12-15 even rolls. Pop them into your buttered baking dish, cover with plastic, and let them rise another 20-30 minutes while you preheat the oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake in a 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. The rolls should look puffy and smell heavenly—that’s your green light! If the tops brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil halfway through baking.

Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Maple Icing

This is where it goes from great to unforgettable. Melt butter over medium heat and let it brown—listen for that toasty sizzle and smell the nutty aroma (about 2-3 minutes). While warm, whisk together cream cheese, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Spread the icing generously over your warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. You’ll love the way it melts perfectly into every crevice!

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

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with a generous spread of that brown butter maple icing, but for a little extra something, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans gives a lovely crunch and contrast. Sometimes I even add thin, extra apple slices on top right before serving for a fresh pop of color.

Side Dishes

Coming from a brunch-lovin’ family, I love pairing these rolls with a simple scrambled egg dish or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness. A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai complements the warm spices beautifully, making mornings feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or a special brunch, I’ve arranged individual rolls in mini cast iron skillets for an Instagram-worthy look. You could also drizzle extra maple syrup over the icing or add edible flowers for a charming touch. Turning them into pull-apart cinnamon roll cakes works great for sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover rolls tightly with plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, the fridge is your friend but bring them back to room temperature before reheating for the best texture.

Freezing

These apple cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. You can freeze them either before baking or after cooling. For unbaked, I freeze the shaped rolls covered tightly, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. For baked rolls, wrap them well and thaw on the counter to warm them up like fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm throughout. You can add a splash of water and cover loosely with foil to keep them moist. If you prefer microwave reheating, go in short bursts to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing Recipe is one of those soul-warming bakes that I can’t get enough of, especially when the house starts smelling like cozy fall mornings. I love how approachable the recipe is, letting you feel like a pro baker even if it’s your first time making yeast dough. If you’re looking to impress friends, treat your family, or just savor a delicious moment yourself, you’ll enjoy every bite of these rolls. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and trust me—you’re going to want to make these again and again.

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