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Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of freshly baked apple cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen, beckoning you to indulge in a delightful breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat. These irresistible apple cinnamon rolls, enveloped in a rich, buttery dough and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, are a perfect marriage of flavors and textures that will elevate any morning or gathering. The sweetness of the cinnamon sugar filling, combined with the tartness of Granny Smith apples, creates a comforting experience that is simply hard to resist.

Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in these irresistible apple cinnamon rolls topped with creamy frosting! Perfect for brunch or dessert, these rolls are made from scratch with a soft, fluffy dough and a delicious apple filling spiced just right. Each bite is a warm hug of flavor. Plus, you can customize them with nuts for an added crunch. Follow this simple recipe for a delightful treat that will definitely impress your family and friends. Enjoy every warm, gooey bite!
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Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 cup whole milk, warmed

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

2 large apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon milk (optional, for thinning)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

    - In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.

      - Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.

        - Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

          Make the Filling:

            - In a mixing bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix until apples are well coated. If using nuts, stir them in as well.

              Assemble the Rolls:

                - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

                  - Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (approximately 16x24 inches).

                    - Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

                      - Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.

                        - Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

                          Second Rise:

                            - Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

                              Bake:

                                - Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

                                  Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

                                    - In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. If desired, add milk to reach your desired consistency.

                                      Frost and Serve:

                                        - Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before frosting with cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy!

                                          Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 12