Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls

Hey Everyone!! I must be in an apple phase cause every recipe with apples is appealing to me lately. I had to make these though. I love hot apple cider when the weather starts to get cold so this takes like my two favorite things and puts them together. I've never made cinnamon rolls before, but they were seriously so easy, and so delicious. The perfect balance of both cinnamon and apple cider flavoring, and the frosting, ugh!! I could eat that stuff by the spoonful. If you try any recipe from my blog, make this the one! You won't be disappointed.

Quick tip: When you are ready to cut your roll of dough into individual cinnamon rolls, don't use a knife!! This is so important to keeping your cinnamon rolls from being flattened or lopsided. Instead use a piece of twine or a thin piece of wire {I find that wire works best, but twine will work too}. Place under the roll where you want to cut, loop the wire or twine over the top, crossing each other and pull. You will be amazed how much easier this makes making cinnamon rolls and everyone will turn out beautifully even. Enjoy :)

Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup 2% milk
• 1/4 cup apple cider or juice
• 1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup butter, softened, divided
• 1 egg
• 2 cups finely chopped peeled tart apples
• 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Apple Cider Cream Cheese Frosting

• 2 cups apple cider or juice
• 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, cider and 1/4 cup butter to 120 - 130 degrees. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll into a 15-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Spread remaining butter to within 1/2 in. of edges. Combine the apples, brown sugar, walnuts and cinnamon; sprinkle over butter.

Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 slices. Place cut side down in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. For frosting, place cider and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced to 1/4 cup, about 20 minutes. Discard cinnamon stick; cool cider.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add confectioners' sugar and reduced cider; beat until smooth.

Spread over warm rolls.

Printable Recipe

Recipe from Taste Of Home Fall Baking