Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Overnight Rolls
Name: Apple Cinnamon Overnight Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
The Night Before:
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the remaining granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, combine diced apples, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Toss to coat the apples.
- Punch Down Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Spread Butter and Filling: Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the apple cinnamon mixture over the butter.
- Roll Up Dough: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut Rolls: Cut the log into 12 equal slices (about 1.5 inches thick).
- Arrange in Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in the prepared dish.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours).
The Morning Bake:
- Bring to Room Temperature: Take the rolls out of the refrigerator. Let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes while the oven preheats. This allows for a second proof.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
The Finishing Touch:
- Make Glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk/cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust milk/cream as needed for desired consistency.
- Glaze Rolls: Drizzle or spread the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Overnight Rolls
Effortless Elegance for Busy Mornings
Prepare these rolls the night before. Wake up to amazing smells. Enjoy a fresh breakfast with almost no morning effort. This recipe is perfect for special mornings or daily treats.
A Taste of Cozy Perfection
These rolls are soft and fluffy. They offer a sweet and tangy mix of apple and cinnamon. The rich glaze adds a wonderful finish. Every bite is comforting and delicious.
Impress Without the Stress
These rolls are a crowd-pleaser for guests or family. The “make-ahead” feature means you can entertain easily. Enjoy delicious homemade rolls without the last-minute rush.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Your Apple Cinnamon Overnight Rolls
For the Dough
You will need warm milk, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, one large egg, melted unsalted butter, salt, and all-purpose flour. Make sure the milk is warm enough to activate the yeast.
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling
Use fresh apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. You will also need granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Melted unsalted butter helps hold the filling in place.
For the Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended!)
For the glaze, gather powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract. These create a sweet, smooth finish for your rolls.
Your Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Delicious Apple Cinnamon Overnight Rolls
Preparing the Dough (The Night Before)
First, activate the yeast in warm milk with some sugar. Mix in the egg, butter, and salt. Gradually add the flour to form a dough. Knead the dough until it is smooth. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. Punch it down, then roll it into a rectangle. Spread melted butter and the apple-cinnamon mixture over the dough. Roll it up tightly and cut into slices. Place the rolls in a baking dish and refrigerate them overnight.
The Morning Bake
In the morning, take the rolls from the fridge. Let them sit at room temperature while your oven heats up to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, until they are golden brown.
The Finishing Touch: Glaze Time
While the rolls are slightly warm, make the glaze. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle or spread this glaze over the baked rolls.
Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Overnight Rolls
Choosing Your Apples Wisely
Granny Smith apples give a tart contrast. Honeycrisp apples offer a sweet-tart flavor with a good texture. Choose apples that hold their shape when baked.
The Importance of a Good Rise
A warm spot helps the dough rise properly. If your kitchen is cool, you can put the covered bowl in a slightly warm (but not hot) oven that has been turned off. Always allow rolls to come to room temperature and proof again in the morning for best results.
Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or oven.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Elevated Breakfast Spreads
Serve these rolls with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They pair well with eggs, fruit salad, or other breakfast dishes.
Dessert Delights
For a special treat, serve warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A dollop of whipped cream also makes a great addition.
Flavorful Twists
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch. You can also mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon. For a richer topping, make a cream cheese frosting instead of the simple glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cinnamon Overnight Rolls
Can I make these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Rolls without yeast?
No, yeast is essential for the soft, airy texture of these rolls. Without yeast, they would be dense and bread-like, not light and fluffy.
How long do these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Rolls last?
Store fresh rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best eaten fresh on the day they are baked.
Can I freeze the Apple Cinnamon Overnight Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze them. Freeze baked rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw and reheat in the oven. To freeze unbaked rolls, arrange them in the baking dish, cover well, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let them come to room temperature and bake as directed.
Conclusion: Embrace the Joy of Homemade
A Simple Pleasure, Unforgettable Flavor
Making these Apple Cinnamon Overnight Rolls is easy and rewarding. Enjoy the delicious taste and comforting aroma. This recipe makes your mornings sweeter and more special.
Share Your Sweet Moments!
Try this recipe and share your creations. Leave a comment below or post your pictures on social media. We love to see your tasty rolls!
Delicious Apple Cinnamon Overnight Rolls
Equipment
- large bowl
- plastic wrap
- kitchen towel
- small bowl
- rolling pin
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- oven
- whisk
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk 105-115°F
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and finely diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
The Night Before:
- Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in a large bowl, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the remaining granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turn once to coat, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, combine diced apples, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl and toss to coat.
- Gently punch down the risen dough to release air.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12x18 inches.
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the apple cinnamon mixture over the butter.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices, each about 1.5 inches thick.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and arrange the rolls cut-side up in the prepared dish.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for 8-12 hours.
The Morning Bake:
- Take the rolls out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes while the oven preheats for a second proof.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
The Finishing Touch:
- While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth, adjusting milk for desired consistency.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately.