Soft‑Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls: A Gooey, Make‑Ahead Breakfast Treat

These Soft‑Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls are everything a cozy breakfast should be—pillowy soft, gooey in the center, and loaded with warm cinnamon and sweet apple filling. Finished with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting.

What makes this recipe extra special is its flexibility. You can prep most of the components the night before, so you can enjoy fresh-baked rolls the next morning without the early wake-up call. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want to treat yourself, these rolls are a showstopper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Gooey and flavorful: Made with a soft brioche dough, a rich brown sugar cinnamon paste, and a buttery cooked apple filling.
• Make-ahead friendly: The dough and filling can be prepared the night before, making morning assembly easy.
• Customizable: Add toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch, or leave them out for a nut-free version.
• Bakery-style results: The finished rolls are ultra-soft with that classic swirl, packed with filling and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting.

Step-by-Step: Brioche Dough

This rich, buttery brioche dough is what gives these rolls their pillowy, bakery-style softness.

Ingredients:

• 500g (about 4 cups) bread flour
• 7g (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp fine sea salt
• 3 large eggs
• 120ml (½ cup) whole milk, lukewarm
• 170g (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened but cool, cut into cubes

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix briefly to distribute everything evenly.
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Add the eggs and lukewarm milk. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Knead the Dough:
   Increase to medium speed and knead for 5–6 minutes. The dough should be starting to come together and clean the sides of the bowl, but still a bit sticky.
4. Add Butter Gradually:
   With the mixer on medium-low, add the softened butter a few cubes at a time. Wait until each addition is incorporated before adding the next. This process takes about 5–7 minutes.
5. Knead Until Smooth & Elastic:
   Once all the butter is in, increase the mixer speed to medium and knead for 8–10 minutes. The dough should become very smooth, shiny, and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
6. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):
   Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour until slightly puffed.
7. Chill Overnight:
   After the 1-hour rise, gently deflate the dough. Cover tightly and place in the refrigerator overnight (8–12 hours). The cold dough will be easier to roll and slice the next day.

🍎 Step-by-Step: Cooked Apple Pie Filling

This filling adds fruity sweetness and moisture without making the dough soggy.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium apples (firm & tart, like Granny Smith), peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions:

1. Cook Apples:
   In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and release juices.
2. Thicken:
   Sprinkle in the cornstarch and stir until the mixture thickens (1–2 minutes). You want a jam-like consistency that will hold its shape inside the rolls.
3. Cool Completely:
   Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice if using. Transfer to a bowl and chill in the fridge until ready to use.

🍯 Step-by-Step: Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling

This thick, spreadable paste creates that classic cinnamon-sugar swirl.

Ingredients:

• 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt

Instructions:

1. Mix All Ingredients:
   In a bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with a spatula or hand mixer until a smooth, spreadable paste forms.
2. Set Aside:
   Keep at room temperature until ready to use. If it’s too firm, you can warm it slightly before spreading.

🌰 Step-by-Step: Toasted Pecans (Optional)

Add crunch and nuttiness to contrast the soft dough and gooey filling.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pecan halves

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toast Pecans:
   Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
3. Chop & Cool:
   Let them cool completely, then chop coarsely.

Assembly & Shaping the Rolls

1. Roll Out Dough:
   Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the chilled brioche dough into a 24×16-inch (60×40 cm) rectangle.
2. Spread Cinnamon Filling:
   Using an offset spatula, evenly spread the brown sugar cinnamon paste across the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge.
3. Add Apple Filling:
   Scatter the cooled apple mixture evenly on top of the cinnamon layer.
4. Add Pecans:
   Sprinkle chopped pecans over the apples, if using.
5. Roll Up Dough:
   Starting on the long edge opposite the clean border, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
6. Chill if Needed:
   If the dough is too soft to slice cleanly, chill in the freezer for 15–20 minutes.
7. Cut Rolls:
   Slice into 12 equal rolls using dental floss or a sharp serrated knife.
8. Arrange in Pan:
   Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, evenly spaced.

⏲ Second Rise & Baking

1. Second Rise:
   Cover the pan and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 30–45 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.
2. Preheat Oven:
   While rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake:
   Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and the center reads 190°F (88–90°C) on a thermometer.
4. Cool Slightly:
   Let the rolls cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before frosting.

🎂 Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 60g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 120g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1¼ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Beat Butter & Cream Cheese:
   In a mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. Add Sugar:
   Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
3. Adjust Consistency:
   Add cream 1 tbsp at a time until you reach a spreadable, slightly drippy consistency. Add salt to taste.
4. Frost Warm Rolls:
   Spread the frosting generously over warm rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls.