Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you are searching for a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These rolls marry the silky softness of perfectly risen dough with the rich, spiced sweetness of apple butter and cinnamon, all topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast, these cinnamon rolls fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your heart with joy. Prepare to impress family and friends with this comforting, homemade delight that’s easier to make than you might think!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe calls for simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color. From the yeast for fluffy dough to the creamy frosting finishing touch, every element works in harmony to create magic.

• Active dry yeast (1 tablespoon): The secret behind a soft, fluffy dough that rises beautifully.
• Whole milk (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup for filling): Sweetens the dough and balances the spices in the filling.
• Large eggs (2, beaten): Provide structure and richness.
• Butter (6 tablespoons, melted and cooled): Adds tender crumb and a buttery flavor.
• All-purpose flour (4 cups): The base for the dough, giving structure and chew.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Apple butter (1 cup): Infuses the rolls with spiced apple warmth and moisture.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Intensifies the cinnamon filling with a molasses note.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): Brings that classic cinnamon roll spice kick.
• Cream cheese (3/4 cup): Creates a luscious, tangy frosting that complements the sweet rolls perfectly.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds subtle natural sweetness and depth to the cream cheese frosting.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the frosting flavors.

How to Make Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you begin. This recipe is made easier with a stand mixer and dough hook, but kneading by hand is a rewarding option if you prefer. Having everything ready simplifies the process and sets you up for success.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Start by activating your yeast. Combine the yeast with 1 tablespoon of milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a measuring jug. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy—a good sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work. If it doesn’t foam, it’s best to start over with fresh yeast to ensure fluffy rolls.

Step 3: Mix in the Liquids

Once the yeast is bubbly, whisk in the remaining milk, sugar, beaten eggs, and melted butter (adding the butter last to avoid killing the yeast). This creates a rich, flavorful base for your dough.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

In your stand mixer bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead on medium speed for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is soft, stretchy, and slightly tacky. If it feels too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. The dough should form a smooth ball that pulls away from the bowl’s sides but still feels pliable and tender.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 45 to 60 minutes. If your kitchen is chilly, a slightly warm oven (turned off) or a cozy corner near a warm appliance works wonderfully. This step is key to achieving the perfect fluffiness.

Step 6: Roll Out and Add the Filling

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle roughly 18 by 12 inches and about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the apple butter evenly over the dough surface, then sprinkle the combined light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon over the top. Leave a small border along one edge to make rolling easier.

Step 7: Assemble and Second Rise

Starting on the long edge without filling, tightly roll the dough into a jelly-roll shape. Slice it into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to keep the swirls intact. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch pan, cover, and let them rise again for 20 to 30 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F during the second rise. Bake the rolls for 18 to 25 minutes until golden on top and cooked through in the middle. Keep an eye on them and tent with foil if they brown too quickly while the centers finish baking. The goal is soft, tender centers that aren’t doughy.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This luscious frosting is the perfect partner to the warm apple butter cinnamon rolls.

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the rolls while they are still warm so it melts in slightly, creating a gooey, irresistible topping. Serve immediately for the best experience, though these cinnamon rolls taste fantastic even the next day!

How to Serve Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch, garnish with thin apple slices, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. These additions bring a delightful contrast in texture and highlight the apple notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. A simple side of yogurt or whipped cream can also complement their sweetness without overpowering the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these rolls on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic vibe or arrange them on a pretty cake stand for special occasions. You can also turn leftovers into decadent bread pudding or French toast for a lovely twist on the original recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They hold their softness well and taste just as good when enjoyed cold or at room temp.

Freezing

Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze the unbaked rolls in the pan wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw and rise before baking for fresh-from-the-oven results.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, microwave a roll for about 15 seconds or heat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat frozen baked rolls by covering loosely with foil and baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface. It just takes a bit more effort and time, but the dough’s softness and texture will be just as amazing.

Is apple butter hard to find, or can I substitute it?

Apple butter is usually available in grocery stores near jams and jellies. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with spiced applesauce or even a homemade apple compote seasoned with cinnamon and cloves for that cozy flavor.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top, and the center roll should feel set and no longer doughy when touched lightly. If the tops brown too quickly, tent with foil and bake until cooked through.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and place them in the pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and complete their second rise before baking.

What makes the cream cheese frosting in this recipe special?

The addition of maple syrup and a hint of cinnamon adds a lovely depth and balanced sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced apple butter filling, making the frosting a standout element.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is the kind of baking that brightens your whole day. From the heavenly aroma filling your home to the delicious swirl of flavors in every bite, these cinnamon rolls are a must-try. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself because sometimes, comfort is best served warm and smothered in frosting!

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