These Apple Morning Buns are the ultimate fusion of buttery croissant dough and tender, cinnamon-scented apples. Each bite is a swirl of caramelized sugar and flaky layers, with a subtle apple flavor that feels like autumn wrapped in pastry. Perfect for slow mornings or brunch gatherings, these buns bring both comfort and indulgence to the table.
The process is simpler than it looks, thanks to the cheater croissant dough! With just a little planning, you can fill your home with the scent of warm cinnamon and apples while enjoying bakery-quality treats straight from your oven. These buns are perfect for serving alongside coffee or cider, creating an unforgettable morning experience.
Full Recipe:
- 3 cups [325 g] Gala apples, peeled and sliced into 1/8 in [3 mm] slices (3 or 4 apples)
- 1/3 cup [80 g] apple cider (or water as a substitute)
- 1 cup [200 g] granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 recipe Cheater’s Croissant Dough
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing the muffin pan)
Directions:
- Prepare the Apples: In a large saucepan, place the sliced apples and apple cider over medium heat. Cover and let the apples steam until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Once soft but still holding shape, strain and cool the apples to room temperature.
- Prepare the Muffin Pan: Generously butter the insides and tops of a standard 12-cup muffin pan. Coat each muffin cup with granulated sugar, tapping out excess.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the croissant dough into a 10 x 24 in [25 x 60 cm] rectangle. Brush the surface evenly with melted butter.
- Create the Filling: Combine 1/2 cup [100 g] granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough, pressing it lightly to adhere. Distribute the cooled apple slices evenly over the sugar mixture.
- Shape the Buns: Starting from a long side, roll the dough tightly into a cylinder and place it seam-side down. Cut into 12 equal pieces, about 2 in [5 cm] each. Place the rolls cut-side down into the prepared muffin cups.
- Rise the Dough: Cover the muffin pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the dough rise until doubled in size and puffy, about 2-2.5 hours (or overnight in the fridge, see notes below).
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F [200°C]. Line a sheet pan with parchment and set a wire rack inside. Remove plastic wrap and gently press down the tops of the buns with a greased spatula. Place another sheet pan on a lower oven rack to catch drips.
- Bake for 15 minutes, press down tops again, rotate the pan, and bake another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Coat with Sugar: Flip the buns onto a prepared pan immediately after baking. Toss each bun in the remaining 1/2 cup [100 g] granulated sugar using tongs. Cool on a wire rack. Enjoy warm or same day!
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2.5-3 hours
Kcal: ~315 per bun | Servings: 12 buns
The Inspiration Behind Apple Morning Buns
Apple Morning Buns are inspired by the iconic morning buns popularized by Tartine Bakery in San Francisco. These pastries are a delightful mix of buttery croissant dough and sugary cinnamon flavors, making them a nostalgic treat for many. This apple-infused version takes the classic concept and adds a seasonal twist, making it perfect for autumn mornings or any time you crave something warm and comforting. The addition of tender, spiced apple slices elevates these buns into a show-stopping breakfast treat that feels homemade yet gourmet.
Why Apple Morning Buns Are a Must-Try
What sets these Apple Morning Buns apart is their versatility and decadent flavor profile. They combine the rich, flaky texture of croissant dough with the sweetness of cinnamon sugar and the natural tartness of apples. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or enjoying a quiet morning with coffee, these buns can make any occasion feel special. The process, while involving some time for dough preparation and rising, is surprisingly approachable, especially with the use of cheater croissant dough, which simplifies the pastry-making experience without sacrificing quality.
The Role of Apples in the Recipe
Apples are the star of this recipe, bringing both flavor and texture to each bite. Gala apples are specifically recommended for their natural sweetness and ability to hold their shape during baking. By steaming the apples in apple cider before adding them to the dough, the recipe amplifies the fruity notes while ensuring the apples are tender enough to complement the pastry. This extra step not only enhances the overall flavor but also prevents the apples from staying too crisp inside the buns, delivering a perfectly balanced texture.
A Play on Traditional Morning Buns
Traditional morning buns are known for their combination of orange zest, cinnamon, and sugar. This recipe substitutes the citrus with apples and apple cider, creating a distinctly autumnal take on the original. The process of rolling, filling, and shaping the buns stays true to the classic method, maintaining the nostalgic feel while offering a fresh twist that apple lovers will appreciate.
The Art of Baking with Croissant Dough
Croissant dough is the foundation of these morning buns, providing the flaky, buttery layers that make them so irresistible. While traditional croissant dough requires careful lamination (a process of folding butter into dough multiple times), this recipe uses a cheater croissant dough that significantly reduces the time and effort. Despite being a simplified version, the dough still produces the golden, airy texture characteristic of bakery-quality pastries. The result is a homemade treat that rivals anything you’d find at a café.
Tips for Perfect Apple Morning Buns
- Steaming the Apples: Steaming the apples in apple cider is a game-changer. The cider infuses the fruit with extra sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor of the buns. If cider isn’t available, water can be used, but the flavor will be less robust.
- Rising Time: Patience is key when letting the dough rise. Whether you’re allowing the dough to rise at room temperature or opting for an overnight rise in the fridge, giving the dough enough time to double in size ensures the buns are light and airy.
- Coating with Sugar: Tossing the buns in granulated sugar immediately after baking adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the exterior. It’s an essential step that completes the texture and visual appeal of the pastries.
- Customization: While this recipe focuses on apples, you can experiment with other fillings, such as pears, dried fruit, or nuts, to create your own unique version.
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Morning Buns are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, still warm and fragrant. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot apple cider for the ultimate autumn breakfast experience. They also make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread, alongside savory dishes like quiche or frittata. Their sweetness and delicate texture provide a satisfying contrast to richer, heartier options.
Why Morning Buns Are a Classic Pastry
Morning buns hold a special place in the world of pastries because of their balance between indulgence and simplicity. They evoke the warmth and comfort of home baking while delivering the kind of flavor and texture you’d expect from a high-end bakery. The flaky layers of dough, combined with the sweet, spiced filling, create a pastry that feels celebratory yet approachable. Adding apples to the mix not only modernizes the recipe but also broadens its appeal, making it a great choice for both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.
The Science of Flaky Layers
The signature flakiness of these buns comes from the lamination process used in croissant dough. Layers of butter are folded into the dough, creating dozens of thin, alternating layers of dough and fat. When baked, the butter melts, creating steam that causes the dough to puff up and form delicate, airy layers. Even with a simplified dough recipe, the technique delivers an impressive result that mimics the complexity of traditional laminated dough.
Storing and Reheating Apple Morning Buns
While these buns are best enjoyed on the day they’re baked, they can be stored for short periods if needed. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to restore their crispiness and warmth. For longer storage, the buns can be frozen after baking and sugar-coating. When ready to serve, reheat directly from the freezer for a quick and easy treat.
A Recipe to Celebrate the Seasons
What makes this recipe truly special is its celebration of seasonal ingredients and flavors. Apples and cinnamon are classic symbols of fall, evoking memories of crisp air, warm kitchens, and cozy gatherings. By incorporating these elements into a flaky, buttery pastry, the recipe captures the essence of autumn in a way that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re serving them at a festive brunch or enjoying them solo with a cup of cider, these Apple Morning Buns are a delicious way to honor the changing seasons.
Conclusion
Apple Morning Buns are a delightful combination of flavor, texture, and nostalgia. They bring together the best of classic pastries with the cozy, spiced flavors of fall. From the tender, apple-filled interior to the golden, sugar-coated exterior, these buns are as beautiful as they are delicious. With their simplified croissant dough and easy-to-follow process, they’re accessible to home bakers of all levels. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself to a moment of indulgence, these buns are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.