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Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

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Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with sweet Honeycrisp apples and cinnamon sugar, then topped with rich brown butter maple cream cheese icing.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 1/2–4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2–3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, until bubbly on top.
  2. Add 4 tablespoons butter, eggs, 3 1/2 cups flour, and salt. Mix with the dough hook until the flour is completely incorporated, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough is still sticky, gradually add up to the additional 1/2 cup flour as needed until the dough is smooth to the touch.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining 1/2 cup brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a large rectangle, approximately 12 x 18 inches.
  6. Spread 6 tablespoons softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the chopped apples over the butter, followed by the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  7. Starting with the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edge to seal, then use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 rolls.
  8. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 20-30 minutes.
  9. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  10. While the rolls bake, prepare the icing. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter to a pot over medium heat and cook until lightly browned and toasted-smelling, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  11. Place the cream cheese in a bowl and whisk in the browned butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt until smooth. Start with 2 cups powdered sugar and add more as needed for the desired consistency.
  12. Spread the brown butter maple icing over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.

Notes

  • Add the final 1/2 cup flour gradually, using only as much as needed to create a smooth, soft dough.
  • Honeycrisp apples provide a sweet, crisp filling, but another firm baking apple can be substituted.
  • Watch the butter closely while browning it, as it can quickly go from golden brown to burned.
  • For a thicker icing, add additional powdered sugar; for a softer icing, use less.
  • Store leftover rolls covered in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/apple-cinnamon-rolls-with-brown-butter-maple-icing/