Apple Spice Rolls are the epitome of comfort food, combining the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, and the soft, pillowy texture of freshly baked rolls. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and they bring a cozy, homey aroma to your kitchen that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these Apple Spice Rolls will quickly become a family favorite.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making these delicious rolls, from preparing the dough to adding the final glaze. We’ll also share some tips and tricks for perfecting your rolls, as well as variations you can try to make the recipe your own.
Why Apple Spice Rolls?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why you should make Apple Spice Rolls. The combination of apples and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves is a classic pairing that’s hard to resist. The sweet and slightly tart flavor of apples complements the rich, buttery dough, while the spices add depth and warmth.
Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which focus solely on cinnamon and sugar, Apple Spice Rolls bring an added layer of flavor and texture with the inclusion of fresh apples. The filling becomes a gooey, spiced apple compote that oozes out of the rolls as they bake, making each bite a delightful mix of soft dough, sweet apples, and fragrant spices.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. By the end, you’ll have a tray of beautiful, golden-brown rolls that look and taste like they came from a professional bakery.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Activate the Yeast
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (make sure it’s not too hot, as this can kill the yeast), a pinch of sugar, and the yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial because it ensures that the yeast is alive and ready to make your dough rise.
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the wet ingredients and stir to combine. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or the dough hook of a stand mixer until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, knead the dough with the dough hook on medium speed for 5-7 minutes. Kneading helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving the rolls their soft and fluffy texture.
Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This rising time is essential for creating light and airy rolls. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm appliance to encourage rising.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
Cook the Apples
While the dough is rising, prepare the apple filling. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and lemon juice. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened into a compote-like consistency.
The combination of spices in the filling is what gives these rolls their distinctive flavor. Cinnamon adds warmth, nutmeg provides a hint of nuttiness, allspice contributes a slight peppery note, and cloves offer a touch of sweetness with a bit of spice. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness of the apples.
Cool the Filling
Once the filling is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Cooling the filling is important because if it’s too hot when you spread it on the dough, it can make the dough difficult to work with and may prevent the rolls from rising properly.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. The size of the rectangle will determine how many rolls you get, as well as their size. Aim for a rectangle that’s roughly 12×18 inches.
Spread the Filling
Evenly spread the cooled apple filling over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out when you roll the dough. Spreading the filling evenly ensures that every bite of your roll is packed with that delicious apple and spice mixture.
Roll Up the Dough
Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal the roll, which helps keep the filling inside as it bakes. If you’re having trouble with the dough sticking, you can lightly flour your hands or the dough to make rolling easier.
Cut the Rolls
Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (which cuts the dough cleanly without squishing it), cut the log into 12 equal slices. To use dental floss, simply slide a piece under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to cut through the dough.
Second Rise
Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are touching each other. This second rise helps the rolls become even lighter and fluffier.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is fully preheated before you place the rolls inside is important for even baking.
Bake
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The tops should be lightly browned, and the rolls should feel firm to the touch. If the rolls are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Cool
Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before glazing. This short cooling period lets the rolls set slightly, making them easier to remove from the pan without falling apart.
Step 5: Glaze the Rolls
Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
For an extra flavor boost, you can experiment with different types of glaze. For example, try adding a teaspoon of maple syrup or a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for a more autumnal flavor.
Drizzle the Glaze
Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls using a spoon or fork, making sure to cover the tops evenly. The glaze will melt slightly as it hits the warm rolls, seeping into the crevices and adding a sweet finish to each bite.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Apple Spice Rolls warm, with extra glaze if desired. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Tips for Success
Dough Consistency
The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s easier to handle. On the other hand, if the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water or milk until it’s pliable.
Rising Time
Make sure to give the dough enough time to rise for a soft and fluffy texture. If you’re short on time, you can let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (about 100°F or 38°C) to speed up the process.