Apple Spice Rolls

Apple Spice Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, with tender apples cooked to perfection and a buttery apple pie spice filling. The rolls are baked to golden perfection and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, making them a sweet and comforting treat perfect for any fall morning or holiday gathering.

This recipe captures the essence of fall, blending warm spices and sweet apples into a soft, pillowy dough. These rolls are ideal for sharing with family and friends, offering a cozy, homemade touch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether served warm for breakfast or as a comforting dessert, these Apple Spice Rolls are sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking apples)
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 5 tablespoons butter (for dough)
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup mashed potato (plain, unsalted)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (additional)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
  • Whole milk (as needed for frosting consistency)

Directions:

  1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped apples and cook until tender, about 5-8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a stand mixer, combine 1 1/2 cups flour and yeast. In a saucepan, heat 5 tablespoons butter, milk, mashed potato, sugar, and salt until warm (120-130°F). Pour into flour mixture and add eggs.
  3. Beat mixture at low speed for 30 seconds, then high speed for 3 minutes. Gradually add remaining 2 3/4 cups flour to form a soft dough. Knead for 3 minutes.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes or until doubled.
  5. Punch dough down and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  6. Spread 1/3 cup softened butter over dough, sprinkle with brown sugar mixed with apple pie spice, and top with cooked apples. Roll tightly and slice into 12 rolls.
  7. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13 inch pan and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F. Pour heavy cream over rolls and bake for 23-28 minutes.
  9. Beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, vanilla, apple pie spice, and salt together. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar and enough milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  10. Spread frosting over warm rolls before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 28 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

  • The Unique Twist on a Classic: These Apple Spice Rolls take the concept of cinnamon rolls to a whole new level by introducing the natural sweetness and tartness of apples combined with the warmth of apple pie spices. While cinnamon rolls are beloved for their rich, comforting flavors, the addition of fresh apples creates a lighter, fruit-forward taste that feels like an autumn harvest in every bite.
  • Why Potato in the Dough?: A standout feature of this recipe is the use of mashed potato in the dough. This is a tried-and-true technique often used by seasoned bakers to add moisture and softness to bread without compromising its structure. The starches in the potato help keep the rolls fluffy and tender, ensuring they stay soft even after baking, which is especially important when preparing sweet rolls that might dry out over time.
  • Perfect for Fall and Holiday Gatherings: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and butter practically screams fall, making these rolls a perfect addition to seasonal celebrations. They can be served for a cozy family breakfast, a holiday brunch, or even as a dessert after a hearty dinner. The sweet yet slightly tangy cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the spiced apple filling, creating a balance of flavors that both children and adults will enjoy.
  • Customization Ideas: While the recipe as-is provides a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors, it’s also a versatile canvas for creativity. You can mix in different varieties of apples for slightly different textures and flavors. Tart Granny Smith apples, for example, would add a pleasant contrast to the sweet brown sugar filling. You can also experiment by adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch, or dried cranberries to enhance the fall vibes.
  • Serving Suggestions: These Apple Spice Rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven, allowing the cream cheese frosting to melt slightly over the golden-brown rolls. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, apple cider, or chai tea for a perfect autumnal treat. For those hosting a brunch or holiday event, consider serving the rolls alongside savory dishes like quiche or a vegetable frittata to balance the sweetness.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: One of the great things about this recipe is that you can prepare the rolls ahead of time. Once the dough is rolled out, filled, and shaped, the rolls can be refrigerated overnight. The next morning, simply let them rise at room temperature before baking. This makes them an excellent choice for busy holiday mornings when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Apple Spice Rolls go beyond just being a sweet treat—they capture the essence of comfort food, particularly during the fall season when spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are in full swing. The soft, pillowy texture of the rolls is achieved by allowing the dough to rise properly, ensuring a light, airy bite in every roll. Paired with the tender apples, which add both moisture and natural sweetness, these rolls are a balanced fusion of flavors and textures.

The filling plays a crucial role in the overall experience, with the caramelized apples creating a juicy, slightly tart contrast to the buttery dough. The spice blend enhances this flavor profile, giving depth and warmth that lingers with each bite. Meanwhile, the vanilla glaze not only adds a visual appeal, making the rolls glisten when drizzled on top, but also provides a creamy sweetness that rounds out the bold, spiced notes.

These rolls are perfect for those special family gatherings, holiday mornings, or simply as a weekend indulgence. They offer a sense of nostalgia and evoke memories of cozy mornings, making them an inviting and heartwarming dish. Additionally, they are versatile enough to be adapted—add nuts for a crunchy texture or switch up the spice levels for a more personalized touch. Whatever variation you choose, these rolls are sure to bring smiles and warmth to the table.

Conclusion:

The Apple Spice Rolls are a delightful blend of warmth and sweetness, making them the perfect treat for autumn or any cozy occasion. The soft, fluffy dough combined with the spiced apple filling creates a comforting and flavorful experience, with the fragrant cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice complementing the natural sweetness of the apples. The vanilla glaze adds a delicate touch of sweetness, enhancing the rich, spicy flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these rolls are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their golden-brown tops and luscious glaze. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends, offering a taste of comfort and nostalgia in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees satisfying results every time.

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