Description

These Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect cozy breakfast treat for fall. Soft, fluffy dough filled with sweet apple butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar, then topped with creamy icing. Each bite tastes like the season in one delicious roll. Perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or any time you want a warm, comforting treat straight from the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup apple butter
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons softened butter
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened (for icing)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk or cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions: Use oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version, and plant-based butter for a vegan twist. Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or swap apple butter with pumpkin butter for a fall flavor change.

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Instructions

Activate the Yeast: Combine warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough: Mix sugar, melted butter, and egg in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture and stir in flour and salt gradually until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let it Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: Mix apple butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a small bowl.
Roll and Fill: Roll dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
Shape the Rolls: Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Second Rise: Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Icing: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Serve: Drizzle extra apple butter or caramel sauce on top if desired. Enjoy warm.

Notes

Let the yeast foam before using to ensure your dough rises properly.
To make ahead: prepare rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.
Store baked rolls in an airtight container for 2 days at room temp or up to 5 days in the fridge.
Reheat gently before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
Freeze baked rolls (without icing) for up to 2 months; thaw and add fresh icing before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 320
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg