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Cozy Brown Butter Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Easy Fall Recipe

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These brown butter apple cinnamon rolls are warm, sweet, and just a little bit fancy without being fussy. The brown butter adds a depth of flavor that regular cinnamon rolls can’t touch, and the apples make every bite feel like a seasonal celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, browned and cooled
  • 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled and grated
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup brown butter (for filling base)
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling base)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling base)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Milk, as needed

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Melt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Swirl occasionally. After about 5 minutes, when the butter foams and turns golden with amber specks and a nutty aroma, remove from heat immediately. Pour into a heat-safe bowl and let cool for 10 minutes. Use half for the dough and half for the filling.
  2. Activate the yeast: Warm 1 cup whole milk to about 110°F. Stir in 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs (room temperature) and 1/2 cup of the cooled brown butter. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir. Add 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add more flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the bowl but feels soft and slightly tacky. Knead for 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer until smooth and springy.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Make the apple filling: While the dough rises, peel and grate 2 medium Honeycrisp apples. In a small bowl, mix with 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Set aside. In another small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup brown butter with 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the spreadable filling base.
  6. Assemble the rolls: Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the brown butter-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on the long edge. Spoon the grated apples over the top and press gently into the filling. Roll tightly from the long edge, pinching the seam to seal. Cut into 12 even rolls.
  7. Second rise: Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing evenly. Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed and touching.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and filling is bubbly. Tent with foil halfway through if tops brown too fast. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before frosting.
  9. Make the frosting: Beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons softened butter until smooth. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until creamy. Add milk a teaspoon at a time if too thick.
  10. Frost and serve: Spread frosting over warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t rush the brown butter; it can burn quickly. Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Grate apples instead of chopping for better texture. Use unflavored dental floss to cut rolls cleanly. Let rolls cool 10 minutes before frosting. For overnight method, assemble rolls, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours; let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, apple cinnamon rolls, fall recipe, breakfast, brunch, cinnamon rolls, apple, maple cream cheese frosting

Find it online: https://morselora.com/cozy-brown-butter-apple-cinnamon-rolls-easy-fall-recipe/