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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C) - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 cup apple butter (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Optional: Powdered sugar for icing Gather these ingredients before you start. Each one plays a key role in making your rolls soft and fluffy. The all-purpose flour gives the dough its structure. Sugar sweetens and helps with browning. Active dry yeast is crucial for the rise, while salt enhances flavor. Ground cinnamon adds warmth, and applesauce keeps the rolls moist. Warm milk activates the yeast, and the egg adds richness. Unsalted butter brings flavor, and apple butter gives a sweet and spiced filling. Brown sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg add more depth of flavor. Finally, if you want a sweet finish, powdered sugar makes a lovely icing. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and fun. You can experiment with some ingredients too, like using whole wheat flour for a different texture. Enjoy this journey of making Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls! - Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir these together until mixed well. - Preparing wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of warm milk, 1/4 cup of applesauce, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 large egg. Make sure the mixture is smooth. - Combining and kneading the dough: Slowly add the wet mix to the dry mix. Stir until a soft dough forms. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic. - First rise duration and conditions: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 hour. - Shaping and rolling the dough: After it has risen, punch the dough down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread 1/2 cup of apple butter over the dough, leaving a small border. - Second rise before baking: Mix 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg in a small bowl. Sprinkle this blend over the apple butter layer. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it and slice into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving space between them. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes. - Preheating the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Baking time and visual cues for doneness: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes. They are done when they turn golden brown on top. Allow them to cool slightly before adding optional icing. To make soft and fluffy rolls, knead the dough well. Kneading helps develop gluten. This gives the rolls their soft texture. Aim for about 5-7 minutes of kneading. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks, add a little flour. If it feels too dry, wet your hands and knead again. For the perfect rise, keep the dough warm. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise until it doubles in size, which takes about 1 hour. The warmth helps the yeast activate. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the bowl in a warm spot. When it comes to icing, I suggest a simple powdered sugar glaze. Mix powdered sugar with a little water or milk. This creates a smooth, sweet topping. For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also experiment with different flavors. For a twist, mix in some maple syrup. This makes the icing extra special. Another option is to make a cream cheese icing. It pairs well with the apple butter flavor. Just blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and a bit of vanilla. {{image_2}} You can make these rolls even better by adding nuts or raisins. Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. Just sprinkle them over the apple butter before you roll the dough. If you like raisins, add a handful for a sweet touch. You can also change the spices in the apple butter. Try adding ginger or allspice for a warm flavor. A little extra cinnamon boosts the sweetness too. Make it fun by mixing spices to find your favorite combo. When it comes to icing, you have choices! Cream cheese icing is rich and tangy. It pairs well with the sweet rolls. For a lighter option, use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also top the rolls with seasonal fruits. Fresh apple slices or berries add color and flavor. They make your rolls look pretty and taste great. Get creative and enjoy your own twist on these tasty treats! To keep your apple butter cinnamon rolls fresh, follow these steps: - Cool Completely: Let the rolls cool to room temperature. This helps prevent moisture buildup. - Use Airtight Containers: Store the rolls in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. - Refrigerate for Longer Storage: If you want to keep them for more than a couple of days, place them in the fridge. They can last up to a week this way. - Avoid Soggy Rolls: Place a paper towel inside the container. This absorbs excess moisture and keeps the rolls soft. When it’s time to enjoy your cinnamon rolls again, reheating is key: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. - Microwave Method: For a quick fix, place a roll on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 10-15 seconds. Add a small cup of water in the microwave to keep them soft. - Tips for Stale Rolls: If your rolls feel dry, brush them with a bit of melted butter before reheating. This adds moisture and flavor. Following these steps ensures your apple butter cinnamon rolls stay soft and tasty, ready for a second round of enjoyment! How to make apple butter homemade? To make apple butter, peel and core apples. Chop them and cook in a pot with sugar and cinnamon. Stir often for 45 minutes until thick. Blend until smooth. Can I use store-bought apple butter, or is homemade better? You can use store-bought apple butter. It saves time and still tastes great. Homemade has a fresher flavor, but store-bought works well in a pinch. How long do apple butter cinnamon rolls last? These rolls last for up to 3 days at room temperature. They stay fresh in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. What can I substitute for active dry yeast? You can use instant yeast instead. Use the same amount for best results. Another option is to use 2 teaspoons of baking powder but adjust your liquid slightly. My rolls didn't rise; what might have gone wrong? If your rolls didn’t rise, the yeast might be old or the milk too hot. Yeast needs warmth but not heat above 120°F. Make sure to check the temperature. How to fix dry dough in cinnamon rolls? If your dough feels dry, add a bit of warm milk. Mix it in slowly until the dough feels soft. Knead gently until the dough becomes smooth and pliable. This blog covered making delicious apple butter cinnamon rolls, from ingredients to storage. You learned how to mix and knead the dough, achieve the perfect rise, and bake them to golden perfection. We explored icing options and ways to vary your rolls with nuts or spices. Don’t forget to follow our tips for storing and reheating leftovers. Enjoy your baking journey, and remember that practice makes perfect. You’ll impress everyone with your tasty treats!

Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with this easy recipe! Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, these soft and fluffy rolls are made with a delicious blend of apple butter and spices, then topped with a light icing. Discover step-by-step instructions to create the perfect batch that will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your baking game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

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

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

1 large egg

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup apple butter (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Optional: Powdered sugar for icing

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, applesauce, melted butter, and the egg until smooth.

      Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

        Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

          Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (approximately 1 hour).

            Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface.

              Spread the apple butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on the edges.

                In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture over the apple butter layer.

                  Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal and slice the roll into 12 equal pieces.

                    Arrange the rolled pieces in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each for rising. Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes.

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

                        Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

                          Allow the rolls to cool slightly before optional icing with powdered sugar mixed with a little water or milk for a glaze.

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

                              - Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a large plate, drizzled with icing and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon and apple slices for a delightful touch.