Soft Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls

Apple cider cinnamon rolls bring together everything I love about cozy baking the tender tangy dough the ribbon of cinnamon spice and the glossy cider glaze come together in one nostalgic treat These are the rolls I crave as the weather turns crisp and the leaves start to fall making them a must for any holiday brunch or family gathering

I first made these for my family one chilly Thanksgiving morning and ever since then they have become our tradition for any special occasion everyone always asks for seconds before the pan has a chance to cool

Ingredients

• Apple cider: Choose fresh pressed cider for the richest apple flavor Reduce it for a bold punch of taste throughout
• Active dry yeast: This is key for a soft airy texture Always check expiration date for reliable rising
• Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the dough and glaze Use pure cane sugar for the best flavor
• Unsalted butter: Essential for both richness and softness in dough Buy a good quality butter for deep flavor
• Egg at room temperature: Important for a soft silky dough Use large eggs for consistent results
• Allpurpose flour: Opt for unbleached flour for the best texture and flavor Always sift for lighter rolls
• Salt: Highlights all the other flavors
• Brown sugar: Use light brown sugar for a subtle molasses touch in the filling Pack it tightly for accurate measuring
• Ground cinnamon: Use fresh strong ground cinnamon for next level aroma and taste
• Apple pie spice: A blend of warming spices that rounds out the apple cinnamon sweetness
• Plantbased butter: If making dairy free choose one with rich flavor and no off aftertaste
• Unfiltered apple juice: Can replace cider in a pinch Choose a cloudy variety for deeper taste
• Pumpkin pie spice: If needed it gives a different but lovely spiced profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Reduce the Apple Cider:

Pour all the apple cider needed for the filling and glaze into a heavy saucepan Heat gently over medium stirring now and then until it becomes thick syrup and measures about one half cup plus two tablespoons This step concentrates apple flavor and makes your rolls special Cool completely before using

Make the Dough:

Warm three quarter cup of apple cider to just above lukewarm Pour into a large bowl and sprinkle yeast and a pinch of sugar on top Wait until it looks foamy about five to ten minutes This lets you know your yeast is alive Mix in the rest of the sugar melted butter egg and salt Gradually add flour and mix until a sticky dough forms Knead for six to eight minutes on a floured surface or five minutes in a mixer until soft and elastic Place in a lightly oiled bowl cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled which takes about an hour to an hour and a half

Make the Filling:

In a medium bowl mix softened butter brown sugar cinnamon and apple pie spice until fully combined Pour in two tablespoons of the reduced cider and stir until smooth Set aside

Shape Fill and Slice:

After the dough has risen turn it onto a floured counter and gently press out air Roll into a large rectangle about twelve inches by eighteen inches Spread the spiced apple mixture all the way to the edges so every bite is filled Roll up tightly from the long edge Slice into twelve rolls and place in a greased baking dish Cover and let rise a second time until puffy about thirty to forty five minutes

Bake the Rolls:

Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Bake the rolls in the center of the oven for about twenty three to twenty eight minutes or until they are a deep golden brown If they brown too fast cover loosely with foil for the last few minutes

Make the Glaze:

While the rolls bake combine the remaining reduced cider granulated sugar and butter in a saucepan Heat until it begins to bubble stir until thickened and glossy Remove from heat and let thicken slightly

Finish and Serve:

Let the rolls cool just a few minutes in the pan Generously drizzle with cider glaze over warm rolls letting it pool and soak in for the best flavor Serve while still warm for the ultimate comfort

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I am always amazed how much the reduced apple cider intensifies the fragrance and taste My niece loved licking the glaze spoon before I even finished pouring it over the rolls

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer storage refrigerate and gently rewarm before serving If you want to freeze make sure they are cooled then wrap tightly and freeze without the glaze Add glaze after reheating for the freshest taste

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a dairy free version use your favorite plant based butter throughout The texture stays tender and you still get buttery richness No apple cider No worry Unfiltered apple juice makes a fine substitute and still gives a lively apple note You can swap pumpkin pie spice if you are out of apple pie spice for a twist on the warm flavor

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls fresh from the oven alongside hot coffee or spiced tea For a festive touch sprinkle a dusting of extra spice or a few finely diced cooked apples over the glaze They make a beautiful brunch centerpiece for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas They are also delicious as a cozy afternoon snack

Cultural Context

Apple cider cinnamon rolls are a modern twist on classic American cinnamon rolls drawing inspiration from the orchard harvest season While cinnamon rolls have roots in Swedish baking the addition of apple cider feels especially autumnal and makes this version a favorite in American homes especially in the Northeastern US where apple orchards are plentiful

Recipe FAQs

→ How does reducing apple cider influence the rolls?

Reducing apple cider concentrates its natural sugars and flavors, resulting in a syrupy addition that deepens sweetness and enhances the filling and glaze with rich apple notes.

→ Can unfiltered apple juice be used instead of cider?

Yes, unfiltered apple juice works well as a substitute but should be reduced similarly to intensify flavor, though it offers a milder tang compared to cider.

→ Why is the dough allowed to rise twice?

The first rise builds the dough’s volume and texture, while the second rise after shaping ensures a light, fluffy crumb and soft interior in the finished rolls.

→ What creates the glossy finish on the rolls?

The glaze is made by simmering reduced apple cider with sugar and butter until thickened, then drizzled warm over baked rolls for shine and added moisture.

→ Are there non-dairy options for the butter?

High-quality plant-based butters maintain richness and softness throughout the dough and filling, providing a dairy-free alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.

→ What is the texture of these rolls like?

The dough is soft and elastic, yielding tender, fluffy rolls with a gooey spiced filling and a slightly sticky glaze, perfect for a comforting treat.