Description

Soft, buttery brioche cinnamon rolls filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and finished with a light honey glaze, perfect for a cozy weekend bake.

Ingredients

1 cup milk (plant-based or dairy)

8 grams active dry yeast (1 packet)

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed

Zest of 1 orange

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 large apples (about 2 lb / 900 g), peeled, cored, and cubed

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for filling)

1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons honey (for finishing)

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Instructions

Warm the milk until just warm to the touch. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, and cubed butter. Rub the butter into the flour until crumbly.
Add the yeast mixture, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Knead for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 3 hours, or until doubled in size.
To make the filling, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook for 10–15 minutes until apples are tender and coated in a thick syrup. Let cool completely.
Roll the risen dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal slices.
Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes.
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30–35 minutes until golden.
Brush the warm rolls with honey before serving.

Notes

Apples can be swapped with pears for a seasonal variation.

Add nutmeg or cardamom for deeper spice flavor.

Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added to the filling.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Rolls can be frozen after baking and reheated when needed.

Prep Time: 75 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 320
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg