Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Maple Icing

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup melted butter

• 1 large egg

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

For the Apple Filling

• 2 medium apples, peeled & diced

• 3 tbsp butter

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• 1½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp vanilla

• Pinch of salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer

• ½ cup softened butter

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tsp cinnamon

Brown Butter Maple Icing

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp maple syrup

• 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed)

• ½ tsp vanilla

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp of the sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and flour.

3. Mix and knead 5–7 minutes until soft and smooth.

4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and rise 1 hour or until doubled.

2. Make the Apple Filling

1. Melt butter in a skillet.

2. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.

3. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and syrupy. Cool completely.

3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Layer

Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste.

4. Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle.

2. Spread cinnamon sugar over dough.

3. Spoon cooled apple filling evenly on top.

4. Roll up tightly from the long side and pinch to seal.

5. Slice into 12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish.

6. Cover and rise 30–45 minutes.

5. Bake

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–26 minutes, until lightly golden.

6. Make the Brown Butter Maple Icing

1. Melt butter in a saucepan and cook until it turns golden brown and nutty.

2. Pour into a bowl and whisk in powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and enough milk to reach a pourable consistency.

7. Glaze

Drizzle warm icing over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.