Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing
		Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing combine warm spices and sweet glaze for a deliciously cozy treat you’ll crave any time of day. These rolls bring the comforting aroma of freshly baked dough mingling with tender apples and cinnamon sweetness, topped off with a luscious maple icing that perfectly balances every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert, this recipe promises a delightful experience to warm your heart and fill your kitchen with irresistible scents.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly fluffy texture: The dough rises beautifully to create soft, pillowy rolls that melt in your mouth.
 - Warm, comforting flavors: A blend of cinnamon, tender apples, and maple icing creates a flavor combination you’ll adore.
 - Simple ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples that come together easily and quickly.
 - Versatile anytime treat: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, making it perfect for any occasion.
 - Eye-catching presentation: The golden rolls topped with glossy maple icing always impress friends and family.
 
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing is straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role in the taste, texture, and color of these delights. From the tender apples that add a fruity touch to the warm spices that evoke cozy feelings, this list makes baking easy and fun.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for soft and fluffy rolls.
 - Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates that light texture.
 - Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and filling without overpowering the natural apple taste.
 - Warm almond milk (plant-based): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough moist and tender.
 - Vegetable oil: Ensures the rolls stay soft without heaviness.
 - Apples (peeled and finely chopped): Brings fresh, juicy bursts of flavor throughout each roll.
 - Cinnamon (natural): The star spice that blends perfectly with apples for that classic twist.
 - Brown sugar: Adds a richer sweetness and slight caramel flavor to the filling.
 - Smoked turkey bacon (optional): Adds a savory crunch for those who love a bit of contrast in their rolls.
 - Maple syrup (natural): The base for the delightful maple icing glaze.
 - Plant-based butter: Adds richness to both dough and icing for smooth texture.
 - Powdered sugar: Keeps the maple icing creamy and sweet.
 - Natural gelling agent: Helps the icing set with the perfect consistency without overpowering texture.
 
Variations for Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing
The great thing about Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing is how easy they are to tweak. Whether you want to cater to different tastes, dietary needs, or just experiment with flavors, these variations open up a world of delicious possibilities.
- Nutty twist: Add crushed walnuts or pecans to the filling for an added crunch and nutty depth.
 - Fruit blend: Substitute or mix in diced pears or dried cranberries to add different fruity notes.
 - Vegan option: Use plant-based yogurt instead of milk and substitute maple syrup quantities to taste.
 - Spice it up: Add a hint of ground nutmeg or cloves to complement the cinnamon for richer flavor.
 - Pinwheel surprise: Include smoked turkey slices inside rolls for a savory and sweet balance perfect for brunch.
 
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing warm almond milk with active dry yeast and a spoon of sugar, then let it sit until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil, stirring until you get a smooth dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until elastic and soft, then cover and let it rise until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, chop apples finely and combine with brown sugar, cinnamon (natural), and a bit of plant-based butter melted to create a luscious filling. If desired, crisp up some smoked turkey bacon and crumble it into the mixture for a savory crunch.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Roll out the risen dough onto a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the apple-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border free on one edge. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into even rolls. Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until golden and cooked through. The aroma of cinnamon and apples will fill your kitchen, signaling deliciousness is just moments away.
Step 5: Prepare Maple Icing
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup (natural), a bit of plant-based butter, and a natural gelling agent to create a smooth, glossy maple icing. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or syrup as needed for a perfect glaze.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling the maple icing over the top generously. Serve warm to enjoy that gooey, sweet sensation that makes these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing utterly irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing
- Perfect dough rise: Ensure the almond milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast efficiently without killing it.
 - Even rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut dough into uniform slices for consistent baking.
 - Apple freshness: Use crisp apples that hold their shape well during baking to prevent soggy rolls.
 - Maple icing consistency: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar and syrup slowly to get just the right thickness for drizzling.
 - Make ahead option: Prepare rolls the night before and let them rise in the fridge overnight for fresh morning baking.
 
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon (natural) on top of the maple icing adds an extra special touch and visual appeal for your rolls.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a hot cup of spiced chai or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweet warmth with some refreshing notes and make for a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your rolls in a rustic wooden tray with linen napkins for a cozy café vibe at home or arrange them on a cake stand surrounded by apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individually for 20-30 seconds to enjoy warm, fresh-tasting rolls anytime.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for yeast recipes, but expect a slightly different texture.
What type of apples work best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji hold up well and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the rolls and icing.
Can I prepare the dough with a stand mixer?
Absolutely, a stand mixer with a dough hook can make kneading easier and quicker, especially for beginners.
Is there a vegan way to make these rolls?
Yes, using plant-based milk and butter and ensuring the ingredients like sugar and natural gelling agent fit your preferences will yield delicious vegan-friendly rolls.
How can I store leftovers without losing moisture?
Keep the rolls sealed in an airtight container and add a slice of apple to the container to help retain moisture overnight.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of biting into warm Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing fresh from the oven. This recipe fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and treats your taste buds to a delightful mix of sweet and spiced goodness. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these rolls are a cozy, comforting choice that’s sure to brighten any day. Give this recipe a try you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
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		Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing
- Total Time: 2 hours
 - Yield: 12 rolls 1x
 - Diet: Gluten Free
 
Description
Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing blend warm spices, tender apples, and a sweet, glossy maple glaze for a deliciously cozy treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Soft, pillowy rolls filled with cinnamon-scented apples and topped with luscious maple icing create an irresistible combination of flavors and aromas that warm your heart and kitchen.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
 - 1 cup warm almond milk (plant-based)
 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil
 - 1/2 tsp salt
 
Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped
 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
 - 2 tsp cinnamon (natural)
 - 2 tbsp plant-based butter, melted
 - Optional: 1/4 cup smoked turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
 
Maple Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
 - 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural)
 - 2 tbsp plant-based butter, softened
 - 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
 
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Mix warm almond milk with active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, the remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until elastic and soft. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
 - Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, finely chop the peeled apples. In a bowl, mix apples with brown sugar, cinnamon (natural), and melted plant-based butter until well combined. If desired, add cooked and crumbled smoked turkey bacon for a savory crunch.
 - Assemble the Rolls: Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the apple-cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one edge. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log from the edge with filling. Slice the log into even rolls about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
 - Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The kitchen will fill with the scent of cinnamon and apples.
 - Prepare Maple Icing: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup (natural), softened plant-based butter, and natural gelling agent until smooth and glossy. Adjust the consistency with additional powdered sugar or syrup as needed for perfect drizzling glaze.
 - Glaze and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly after baking. Drizzle the maple icing generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately to enjoy the sweet, gooey texture and comforting flavors.
 
Notes
- Ensure almond milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly.
 - Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut rolls evenly for uniform baking.
 - Select crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Fuji to prevent soggy filling.
 - Adjust maple icing thickness gradually by adding more powdered sugar or maple syrup (natural).
 - Prepare rolls the night before, store in fridge, and bake fresh in the morning for convenience.
 
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
 - Cook Time: 30 minutes
 - Category: Appetizers
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: American
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
 - Calories: 280
 - Sugar: 18g
 - Sodium: 150mg
 - Fat: 10g
 - Saturated Fat: 3g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 6g
 - Trans Fat: 0g
 - Carbohydrates: 40g
 - Fiber: 3g
 - Protein: 3g
 - Cholesterol: 0mg
 
Keywords: apple cinnamon rolls, maple icing, plant-based, gluten free, breakfast, dessert, cozy treats