Description
Soft, gooey Apple Cinnamon Rolls made with tender brioche dough, spiced apple filling, and creamy frosting. Perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Brioche Dough:
250g lukewarm whole milk
50g granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dried yeast
2 large eggs (room temperature)
½ tsp kosher salt
565g all-purpose flour
100g unsalted butter (room temperature)
Apple Filling:
850g apples (about 4 medium, peeled, cored, diced)
30g unsalted butter
80g granulated sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp kosher salt
1 Tbsp cornstarch
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Spread:
190g unsalted butter (room temperature)
280g brown sugar
2 Tbsp + 1 tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp kosher salt
Toasted Pecans (optional):
125g pecan halves
Cream Cheese Frosting:
115g unsalted butter (room temperature)
225g cream cheese (room temperature)
250g powdered sugar (sifted)
1–2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
½ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
1. Whisk milk, sugar, and yeast until foamy. Add flour, salt, and eggs. Knead, then add butter until smooth. Chill at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Cook apples with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until tender. Stir in cornstarch, thicken, and cool.
3. Toast pecans at 350°F / 180°C for 10 minutes.
4. Mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt into a spread.
5. Roll dough into a 24×16 inch rectangle. Spread with cinnamon mixture, top with apples and pecans, roll into a log, chill if needed, and slice into 12 rolls. Place in greased 9×13 pan.
6. Cover, rise 45–60 minutes, then bake at 350°F / 180°C for 35–40 minutes until golden (internal temp 190°F / 90°C).
7. Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, cream, and salt. Spread over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
Dough can be prepared the night before and chilled.
Always use a 9×13 inch pan to contain filling.
Chilling the rolled log 10–20 minutes helps with clean slicing.
Bread should reach 190°F / 90°C internally.
Pecans are optional.
Store in airtight container at room temperature; reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 2–3 hours active (plus rising/chilling)
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Thanksgiving Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll