Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls

Total Time Prep: 1 hour + rising Bake: 30 min.
Yield 1 dozen
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these apple cinnamon rolls, featuring warm spices, tart apples and a luscious cream cheese frosting. While the process requires some time and effort, the deliciously rewarding result is well worth it.

Ingredients

  • 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup 2% milk
  • 1/4 cup apple cider or juice
  • 1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup butter, softened, divided
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cups finely chopped peeled tart apples
  • 1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • APPLE CIDER CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
  • 2 cups apple cider or juice
  • 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 2-1/4 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat milk, cider and 1/4 cup butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead dough until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll into a 15x10-in. rectangle. Spread remaining 1/3 cup butter to within 1/2 in. of edges. Combine apples, brown sugar, walnuts and cinnamon; sprinkle over butter.
  3. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with long side; pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 slices. Place cut side down in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325°.
  4. Bake until golden brown, 30-35 minutes. For frosting, place cider and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced to 1/4 cup, about 20 minutes. Discard cinnamon stick; cool cider.
  5. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar and reduced cider; beat until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.

Nutrition Facts

1 roll: 540 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 272mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.

Feeling creative, I put an apple spin on a traditional cinnamon roll recipe. The results were yummy! A panful is perfect for a weekend morning. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Recipe Creator

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