There’s something truly magical about baking *apple cider cinnamon rolls* that just fills my heart with joy! The sweet aroma of warm cinnamon mingling with fresh apple cider makes my kitchen feel like a cozy autumn retreat. These rolls have been a staple at my fall gatherings, where friends and family eagerly anticipate that first bite. Trust me, when you pull a golden-brown roll out of the oven, it’s hard not to sneak a piece before frosting! The blend of tender dough, spiced apple goodness, and creamy frosting creates a treat that’s perfect for chilly days or just because. I can’t wait for you to experience this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
These are the simple yet delightful ingredients you’ll need to create your scrumptious apple cider cinnamon rolls:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup apple cider (preferably fresh for the best flavor)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped apples (I love using crisp varieties like Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Make sure your butter is softened, so it blends beautifully into the dough. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!
How to Prepare Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into making these delicious apple cider cinnamon rolls! The process may seem a bit involved, but trust me, each step is worth it for that heavenly aroma and flavor.
Preparing the Dough
First things first, let’s activate that yeast! In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of warm apple cider with the yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all frothy and bubbly. This shows your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Next, in a larger bowl, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, salt, egg, and cinnamon. Add in your frothy yeast mixture and mix until everything is smooth and well-combined. Now, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. You want it to be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. This is the base for your wonderful rolls!
Shaping and Rising
After kneading, let your dough rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. Once it’s puffed up, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Now, spread the packed brown sugar and chopped apples evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly from the long side. Slice the rolled dough into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is key for fluffy rolls, so don’t skip it!
Baking and Frosting
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while your rolls are rising. Once they’ve puffed up, bake them for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like a warm hug. While they bake, whip up the cream cheese frosting by mixing the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Once your rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread that luscious frosting over the top. Oh, the joy of warm, gooey frosting melting into those fluffy rolls—it’s pure bliss!
Tips for Success
To make sure your apple cider cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use fresh ingredients—especially your apple cider and apples—because the flavor really shines through. If you want to amp up the cinnamon flavor, feel free to adjust the amount to your liking; a little extra warmth never hurts! For a delightful twist, you can even add some chopped nuts or raisins to the filling. When storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Trust me, they won’t last long, but if they do, a quick reheating in the microwave brings back that gooey goodness!
Nutritional Information
These lovely apple cider cinnamon rolls are not just delicious; they’re also a treat you can enjoy with some awareness of what you’re eating! Each roll has approximately 250 calories, 8g of fat, 3g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. Of course, these values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, but it’s a tasty indulgence you can feel good about. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ About Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls
I know you might have some questions about making these delicious apple cider cinnamon rolls, so let’s dive into a few common ones!
Can I use store-bought apple cider? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor. If you can find unfiltered cider, even better!
What can I substitute for the egg? For a vegan option, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Can I add nuts or raisins? Yes! Feel free to mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, or toss in some raisins for extra sweetness.
How do I make these rolls ahead of time? You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just let them come to room temperature before baking!
If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making these apple cider cinnamon rolls is not just about the delicious end result; it’s also about the joy of the process! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Easy to follow steps that make baking a breeze, even for beginners.
- The delightful blend of flavors—cinnamon and apple cider creates a cozy warmth.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet breakfast treat.
- The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish that complements the rolls perfectly.
- These rolls can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious apple cider cinnamon rolls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about a week. Just make sure they’re well covered to prevent them from drying out!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the rolls in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. You can also warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. This will revive that soft, gooey texture and make them taste like they just came out of the oven. Enjoy the warmth all over again!
For more information on the benefits of apple cider, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on baking with yeast, visit this King Arthur Baking guide.
Print
Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls: 5 Simple Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious apple cider cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped apples
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix warm apple cider and yeast; let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, sugar, butter, salt, egg, and cinnamon; mix until smooth.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough and spread brown sugar and apples on top.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar for frosting; spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- Use fresh apples for better flavor.
- Adjust cinnamon to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: apple cider cinnamon rolls
