Fluffy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 1/4 cup sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with vinegar) - 1 large egg - 1 cup finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 2 teaspoons cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these fluffy apple pie cinnamon rolls. Start with your flours: all-purpose and whole wheat provide a lovely texture. You'll need sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon for the dough. For the wet mix, melt some unsalted butter. Combine it with buttermilk and a large egg. This mix brings moisture to the rolls. Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: apples. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They bring that perfect tartness. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a warm flavor. If you like a crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans. For the icing, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla. This drizzle adds that sweet touch to your rolls. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish - In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. - In another bowl, mix melted butter, buttermilk, and egg until smooth. - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just mixed; the dough should be a bit sticky. - Lightly flour a clean surface. Knead the dough gently for about 1-2 minutes until it feels smooth. - Use a rolling pin to shape the dough into a rectangle, about 12x18 inches. - In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped nuts if you like. Sprinkle this mix evenly over the dough. - Spread diced apples evenly on top of the sugar mix. - From one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal. - Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in the greased baking dish. - Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. To get the fluffiest rolls, avoid overmixing the dough. When you mix, stop as soon as everything comes together. This helps keep the rolls light and airy. Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Cold ingredients can make your dough dense. Check for doneness by looking at the color and texture. The rolls should be golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Let the rolls cool slightly before icing them. This helps the icing stick better and makes for a prettier finish. Serve the rolls warm on a big platter. Drizzle them generously with icing for a sweet touch. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cinnamon or a few apple slices. This adds a nice pop of color and makes the dish look more inviting. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your rolls easily. Try adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. They add a nice chewiness. You can also experiment with different nuts. Walnuts and pecans work well, but feel free to try almonds or hazelnuts. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free flour. This keeps the rolls fluffy. For those who are dairy-free, use almond milk or coconut milk instead of buttermilk. You can use plant-based butter too. These swaps keep the taste great! In the fall, you can add pumpkin spice to the dough. It gives a warm, cozy flavor perfect for autumn. You might also use seasonal fruits like peaches or pears. These fruits bring a fresh twist to your rolls. They add sweetness and moisture, making every bite special. To keep your leftover rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them at room temperature. This keeps them soft for a few days. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. This way, you can enjoy them for about a week. When you want to eat your cinnamon rolls again, you can reheat them easily. The best method is to use the microwave. Wrap each roll in a damp paper towel. Heat for about 15 to 20 seconds. This helps keep them fluffy. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10 minutes. If you want to save some rolls for later, freezing is a great choice. You can freeze unbaked rolls. Just prepare the rolls and place them in the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze. When you're ready to bake them, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, bake as usual. Enjoy fresh rolls whenever you want! To help your cinnamon rolls rise, first, use fresh yeast. Make sure your dough is warm and humid. After mixing, let it rest in a warm spot covered with a damp cloth. This helps activate the yeast. Avoid cold drafts that can slow rising. If you're not in a warm area, try using the oven's proof setting. This will create a cozy space for your dough. Yes, you can make the dough ahead. After mixing, cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. It can sit for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it warm up before rolling it out. This makes it easier to work with. If you want to freeze the dough, shape it into a log and wrap it well. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using. For the best flavor and texture, use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These apples are tart and hold their shape well when baked. They balance the sweetness of the rolls nicely. You can also try Fuji or Braeburn apples for a sweeter taste. Just make sure to peel and dice them finely so they mix well in the rolls. This article covered how to make delicious cinnamon rolls from scratch. We discussed the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure fluffiness. You can also try fun variations and learn how to store and reheat your rolls properly. Remember, baking is about experimenting and enjoying the process. Don't hesitate to make it your own! Follow these tips, and you'll impress everyone with warm, sweet cinnamon rolls. Happy baking!$

Fluffy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Savor the deliciousness of Fluffy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with this easy recipe! Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls combine soft dough with sweet apples and warm spices, drizzled with a creamy icing for the ultimate treat. Easy to follow, this recipe guarantees fluffy, mouthwatering results that your family will love. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and bring this delightful dish to your table!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar added)

1 large egg

1 cup finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)

2 tablespoons milk (for icing)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, buttermilk, and egg. Mix until well blended.

Make the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be slightly sticky.

Knead: Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough gently for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth ball.

Roll Out the Dough: Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches in size.

Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped nuts (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.

Add Apples: Distribute the diced apples evenly on top of the sugar mixture.

Roll the Dough: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.

Slice Rolls: Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices and arrange them in the greased baking dish, spacing them evenly.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare Icing: While the rolls are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

Finish Rolls: Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the icing over the top.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 rolls

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a large platter, drizzled generously with icing, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cinnamon or a few apple slices for decoration.