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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1/2 cup apple butter - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 cup brown sugar (for filling) - 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze) When you gather your ingredients, fresh items make a big difference. Use quality flour and fresh spices for the best taste. Apple butter should be smooth and rich. This adds sweetness and moisture. Make sure to measure accurately. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Spoon flour into the cup, then level with a knife. This gives you the right amount without packing. For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup. Check at eye level for accuracy. - Mixing bowls - Whisk - Rolling pin - Baking dish - Knife or dough cutter - Measuring cups and spoons These tools help you mix and shape the rolls easily. Having them ready saves time. Enjoy the process and get ready for delicious rolls! To start, gather your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they blend well. In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth. Next, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. Lightly knead the dough on a floured surface for about one minute until it feels smooth. Now, roll out your dough into a rectangle. Aim for about a quarter-inch thick, roughly 12 by 8 inches. Once rolled, spread the apple butter evenly over the dough. This adds a sweet, fruity flavor. Next, sprinkle the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar on top. This mix of spices will create a warm aroma. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Make sure to keep it even. After you roll it up, slice the log into twelve equal pieces. Place these rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them. This step helps them rise nicely. Cover the dish with a towel. Let the rolls rise in a warm spot for about thirty minutes. They should double in size. While they rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once they’ve risen, bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they turn golden brown on top. While the rolls bake, prepare the maple glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk. Once the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool for about five minutes. Then, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the warm rolls. This adds a sweet finish to your delicious creation. To get fluffy rolls, start with warm milk. Warm milk helps the yeast work better. Use fresh ingredients, especially the baking powder and baking soda. When mixing, don’t over-knead the dough. Just knead until smooth. Let the dough rise in a warm spot. Cover it with a towel to keep in moisture. The second rise is key. Give it enough time to double in size. This makes the rolls soft and airy. If your rolls are too dense, check your yeast. It should be fresh and active. If they don’t rise, your environment might be too cold. Try placing them in a warm oven (turned off) to rise. If the rolls turn out hard, you might have overbaked them. Keep an eye on the time and check for a golden brown color. If they stick to the pan, grease it well before placing the rolls. A non-stick spray works well. These rolls are best served warm. Drizzle the maple glaze right after baking. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning. You can also add chopped nuts for a crunch. Serve them with some fresh fruit, like apple slices, to balance the sweetness. If you have leftovers, warm them up before serving. They taste even better the next day! {{image_2}} You can easily boost flavor and texture by adding nuts or raisins to your rolls. Walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. Simply chop them up and sprinkle them over the apple butter before rolling. If you like raisins, mix them in with the cinnamon and sugar. This adds a sweet surprise in every bite. Experimenting with apple types can change your rolls' taste. You can use sweet apples like Fuji or Gala for a sweeter roll. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast. Try a mix of both for a balance of flavors. The key is to choose apples you enjoy eating fresh. For a twist on the glaze, think beyond maple. A cream cheese glaze adds a rich touch. Simply beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. For a fruity glaze, mix powdered sugar with apple juice. Each glaze gives a new flavor profile and keeps things fresh. To keep your apple butter cinnamon rolls fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps avoid drying out. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. When you are ready to enjoy your rolls again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. You can also microwave each roll for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up. You can freeze leftover rolls for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to three months. To thaw, remove the rolls from the freezer and let them sit in the fridge overnight. Reheat them as mentioned above, and enjoy the taste of fresh cinnamon rolls! Yes, you can use homemade apple butter. It adds a personal touch to your rolls. Make sure it is smooth and thick for the best results. If your apple butter is runny, it may soak into the dough. This can lead to soggy rolls. So, keep it thick! To check if the rolls are baked, look for a golden brown color on top. You can also insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the rolls are done. If you see wet dough, bake them longer. Be careful not to overbake, or they may dry out. Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Replace milk with almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the melted butter. Your apple butter should be dairy-free too. These swaps will keep the rolls moist and tasty! The best way to reheat cinnamon rolls is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. You can also use the microwave for a quick option. Heat each roll for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy warm rolls as if they were fresh! You’ve learned about the key ingredients and steps needed to make amazing cinnamon rolls. With simple tips and tricks, anyone can bake these treats perfectly. Remember, the right tools make a difference. You can also get creative with variations and find ways to store them. I hope you feel confident to try this recipe at home. Happy baking!

Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze

Indulge in the warm and delightful taste of Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Glaze! This simple recipe brings together fluffy rolls filled with rich apple butter, aromatic spices, and a decadent maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, you'll love how easy it is to create this comforting dessert. Click through now to explore the full recipe and bring the delicious aroma of freshly baked rolls into your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

1/2 cup apple butter

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 cup brown sugar (for filling)

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.

    Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine milk, melted butter, and egg, whisking until smooth.

      Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. Lightly knead the dough on a floured surface for about 1 minute until smooth.

        Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick (approximately 12x8 inches).

          Add Filling: Spread the apple butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar on top.

            Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish, spaced slightly apart.

              Second Rise: Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

                Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

                  Bake Rolls: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

                    Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

                      Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling the maple glaze generously over the top.

                        Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature, and store any leftovers in an airtight container.

                          Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins | Servings: 12 rolls