Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Roll Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup milk, warmed (about 110°F/45°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (e.g., Granny Smith)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream

Directions

1. Make the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon.
   • In a separate bowl, mix warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs.
   • Add wet ingredients to dry, stirring until combined. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough:
   • Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Punch down the risen dough and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
   • Spread apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
   • Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
   • Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
5. Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Make the Icing:
   • Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Serve:
   • Drizzle icing over warm rolls.
   • Top each roll with a scoop of vanilla ice cream just before serving.

Tips:

• Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to activate yeast properly.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling.
• Serve immediately after adding ice cream to enjoy the warm-cold contrast.

FAQs and Tips for Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Ice Cream

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

• Yes! Prepare the dough through the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise slightly before rolling out.

2. What apples are best for the filling?

• Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work well for a sweeter flavor.

3. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?

• Yes, freeze unbaked rolls after slicing and placing in the baking dish. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, let rise, then bake as directed.

4. Why didn’t my dough rise?

• The yeast may be expired, or the milk was too hot (above 120°F/49°C), killing the yeast. Ensure milk is warm (110°F/45°C) and check yeast’s expiration date.

5. Can I use a different icing or skip it?

• Absolutely. Try cream cheese frosting for a richer topping or skip icing if serving with ice cream. The rolls are sweet enough on their own.

6. How do I store leftovers?

• Store cooled rolls (without ice cream) in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.

7. Can I make this recipe vegan?

• Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg). Serve with dairy-free vanilla ice cream.

Tips

Dough Tips:

• Warm Environment for Rising: Place the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm spot to help it rise faster.
• Soft Dough: Avoid adding too much flour while kneading; a slightly sticky dough yields softer rolls.
• Even Slicing: Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.

Filling Tips:

• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple mixture for a warmer spice profile.
• Prevent Soggy Rolls: Ensure the apple filling isn’t too watery by cooking the apples lightly on the stovetop until juices thicken, then cool before spreading.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the apple filling for added crunch.

Baking Tips:

• Check Doneness: If rolls brown too quickly, cover with foil. A toothpick inserted in the dough should come out clean.
• Prevent for: If you notice the filling leaking during baking, place a baking sheet under the dish to catch drips.

Serving Tips:

• Ice Cream Timing: Add ice cream just before serving to enjoy the warm roll with melty ice cream. Pre-scoop ice cream and freeze scoops for quick serving.
• Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar or add a drizzle of caramel sauce alongside the icing for a decadent touch.
• Reheating: Microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to revive freshness.

General Tips:

• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for flour to avoid dense dough.
• Test Yeast: If unsure about yeast activity, mix it with warm milk and a pinch of sugar. It should foam within 5-10 minutes.
• Customize: Add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Enjoy your delicious apple cinnamon rolls with a melty ice cream topping!