Pillowy Apple Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something magical about the combination of warm spices and sweet apples that instantly evokes the cozy feelings of fall.

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls take that nostalgia to the next level, combining the comforting flavors of apple cider, warm cinnamon, and rich cream cheese frosting into soft, fluffy rolls that are simply irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Apple Cider Reduction

•  3 cups (720 ml) apple cider

For the Apple Cider Dough

•  1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F

•  2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

•  1 tsp granulated sugar (for blooming the yeast)

•  4 3/4 cups (593 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled

•  2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

•  1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

•  1/4 tsp ground allspice

•  1 1/2 tsp salt

•  2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar

•  2 eggs, whisked

•  1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, softened

•  1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

•  1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider reduction (from above)

For the Apple Butter Cinnamon Filling

•  1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, softened

•  1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed

•  1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon

•  1 tsp ground nutmeg

•  1/4 tsp ground allspice

•  Pinch of salt

•  1/3 cup (95 g) apple butter

•  1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, at room temperature (for pouring between the rolls)

For the Apple Cider Cream Cheese Frosting

•  6 tbsp (84 g) unsalted butter, softened

•  6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold

•  1 1/2 cups (195 g) powdered sugar

•  1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider reduction (from above)

Instructions

For the Apple Cider Reduction:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the apple cider to a simmer over medium/low heat. Allow it to simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1/2 cup (120 ml). Start checking at 20 minutes and adjust the time as needed, depending on your stove.

2. Transfer the reduced cider to a glass measuring cup and let it cool. You’ll use half in the dough and half in the frosting.

For the Apple Cider Dough:

1. Bloom the yeast: Mix the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and 2 tbsp sugar.

3. Add the whisked eggs, softened butter, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

4. Pour in the yeast mixture and 1/4 cup of the apple cider reduction. Switch to the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for 710 minutes, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a smooth ball that springs back when pressed.

5. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 11 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.

For the Apple Butter Cinnamon Filling:

1. While the dough rises, make the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and apple butter in a small bowl.

Assembling and Baking the Rolls:

1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 18x12 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

3. Spread the filling evenly over the dough using an offset spatula.

4. Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log. Trim the uneven ends, then slice the log into 12 rolls, about 1 1/2 inches wide, using unflavored floss or a sharp knife.

5. Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish and pour the room temperature heavy cream between the rolls. Cover with plastic wrap and let them proof in a warm spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)°F about 15 minutes before the rolls are done proofing. Bake for 2025 minutes, or until golden brown.

For the Apple Cider Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter on high speed until pale and fluffy.

2. Add the cold cream cheese and mix on medium speed until smooth.

3. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully combined.

4. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of apple cider reduction and mix on high speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

5. Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes, then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.

Imagine waking up on a crisp autumn morning, the air fragrant with the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your home. These rolls are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the senses. The process begins with simmering apple cider to create a rich reduction, infusing the dough with deep apple flavor. As you roll out the dough, the sweet apple butter and warm spices come together to create a filling that melts in your mouth.