Are you ready to make some stunning Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls?
The other morning, while scrolling through Pinterest, I kept coming across stunning apple tarts arranged to look like rose petals. My sisters always tease me, saying, “Who has the patience to layer apples that perfectly?” But we all know I’m exactly the kind of person who not only makes the time—but actually loves doing it! After looking at these tarts, I had this brilliant (I think, lol) idea to make Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls!
Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls are not just your average cinnamon rolls—they’re a work of art. With delicate apple “petals” nestled in sweet, spiced dough, these rolls are a showstopper that will impress any crowd. Whether you’re baking them for a special brunch, a family gathering, or just because they’re guaranteed to make an impact. I can also promise they do not take much time to shape. They’re pretty quick and easy!
In this post, I’ll share all my tips and tricks to help you nail the perfect Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls, plus some fall pairing ideas to elevate your breakfast spread even further.
Measuring the Dough: A Baker’s Secret Weapon
When it comes to rolling out your dough, precision is everything. Measuring the dough may seem tedious, but it’s the secret to getting those neat, uniform rolls. I like to use a ruler to measure out my dough rectangle (aiming for around 12 x 18 inches). This ensures the dough is evenly rolled, which means no lopsided rolls or uneven baking.
Here’s a pro tip: Use your ruler not only to measure but also as a straight edge for cutting. Once you’ve rolled your dough out to the desired thickness, use the ruler to measure and mark 3-inch strips. Then, use it as a guide to cut those perfectly straight lines. You’ll end up with rolls that look like they came straight from a bakery!
I found this Pastry Wheel Cutter at an antique shop a few years ago! I fricking love it!! It’s 💯 not necessary for making these, but it does come in handy to quickly and accurate cut dough. If you’re a kitchen tool addict like me, you can find one like it here.
Getting Started: Choosing the Right Apples
First things first, choosing the right apples is key. For Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls, I recommend a mix of sweet and tart apples. Using different varieties (like a blend of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) not only provides a beautiful contrast in color but also a balanced flavor profile. The tartness of Granny Smiths plays beautifully against the sweetness of the filling, while Honeycrisp apples hold up well during baking without turning mushy.
Tip: Slice your apples super thin—about 1/8-inch thick—so they’re flexible enough to roll. A mandolin slicer is perfect for getting those uniform slices!!
Creating the Apple Roses: Patience is a Virtue
Now for the fun part: assembling the apple roses. The key here is to soften your apple slices enough so they’re pliable and easy to work with. I recommend microwaving them in a lemon-water mixture. The lemon not only prevents browning but also adds a hint of brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
Be patient while placing your apple slices along the top edge of each strip. Slightly overlap the slices, allowing the rounded edges to peek out over the dough. This technique will create those beautiful, petal-like layers as you roll. Roll carefully and tightly, securing the apple slices in place as you go. It may take a few tries to get the hang of it, but once you do, it’s incredibly satisfying to see those roses come to life!
Tips for a Professional Finish
Want your Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls to look even more polished? Here are a few tips:
- Use a muffin tin. Instead of placing your rolls in a baking dish where they’ll bake together, place each roll into a greased muffin tin. This keeps each rose intact and gives them a beautiful individual shape.
- Prevent sticking. Remove the rolls from the muffin tin before they’re fully cool to prevent them from sticking. The sugar can solidify and make them difficult to remove if left too long.
- Catch any drips. To save yourself from scrubbing a sticky oven, place a baking sheet or tin foil on the rack below the rolls. The sugar can leak out as they bake, and this will catch any drips and make cleanup a breeze.
- Prevent browning. If your apple edges start to brown too quickly in the oven, cover the rolls loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Dust with powdered sugar. Once the rolls have slightly cooled, a light dusting of powdered sugar enhances the delicate “petals” and adds a bakery-style finish.
Fall Pairings: What to Serve Alongside Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls
Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls are a star on their own, but why stop there? Pair them with these fall-inspired additions to create an unforgettable brunch spread:
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Nothing says fall quite like a homemade pumpkin spice latte. The warm spices and creamy texture are a perfect match for the cinnamon and nutmeg in the rolls.
- Caramel Apple Cider: This sweet, spiced cider complements the apple roses and adds an extra layer of autumnal flavor. Serve it hot with a cinnamon stick for stirring.
- Spiced Mascarpone: Skip the traditional cream cheese frosting and try serving the rolls with a side of spiced mascarpone. Just mix a bit of mascarpone with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. It’s a luscious spread that pairs beautifully with the tender, spiced dough.
- Savory Counterparts: If you’re planning a bigger brunch, balance the sweetness of the rolls with savory dishes like a bacon and leek quiche or roasted root vegetable hash. The savory notes will enhance the sweetness of the apple roses and provide a well-rounded meal.
Trouble Shooting: Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Even with the best of intentions, things don’t always go perfectly in the kitchen. Here’s how to tackle a few common issues you might encounter when making Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls:
Soggy bottoms: No one wants a soggy roll! Make sure your rolls are placed in a preheated oven and bake them until the tops are golden. If they seem undercooked, leave them in a few minutes longer but cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Apple slices breaking while rolling: If your apple slices are breaking, they may not be soft enough. Try microwaving them a bit longer until they’re pliable and bend easily without snapping.
Rolls not rising properly: Make sure your yeast is fresh. If the dough doesn’t double in size during the first rise, your yeast may be inactive. Use warm (not hot) milk and test a small amount of yeast in water with a pinch of sugar to check its viability.
I hope you enjoy these Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls!
They’re so beautiful and easy to make! Also, don’t be afraid to make them your own!
Use Pears Instead of Apples: For a twist on the original, use thinly sliced pears in place of apples. They’ll give the rolls a delicate, floral flavor.
Add a Touch of Spice to the Dough: For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the dough itself. It’ll infuse every bite with warm, spicy goodness.
Try a Maple Glaze: If you’re looking for a finishing touch that’s a little more decadent, drizzle a maple glaze over the rolls just before serving. Combine powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a drizzle of maple syrup, then whisk until smooth.
The options are endless! So, grab your rolling pin, pull out your ruler, and get ready to bake something beautiful!
Looking for more Fall Recipes? Check out more by clicking here!
Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Rolling Pin
- Mandolin or sharp knife
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Greased muffin tin
- Clean towel
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- ¼ cup honey instead of granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup whole milk warm
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 ½ tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 ½ tbsp A Spice Affair’s Apple Pie Blend Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cardamom
For the Apple Roses:
- 3 medium apples a mix of red and green for contrast
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 cups water
For Finishing:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, salt, lemon zest, and ground ginger.
- In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk and honey until combined.
- Add the milk-honey mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients, followed by the egg.
- Mix until the dough comes together, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Apple Roses:
- Core the apples and slice them very thinly using a mandolin or sharp knife (about ⅛-inch thick).
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine lemon juice and water. Place apple slices in the lemon water to prevent browning.
- Microwave the apple slices in the lemon water for 3-4 minutes until they are soft and pliable. Drain and set aside.
Roll Out the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle (about 12 x 18 inches).
- Cut the dough into nine long strips, about 3 inches wide.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and A Spice Affair’s Apple Pie, and softened butter.
- Spread the mixture evenly across the strips of dough.
Form the Apple Rose Rolls:
- Place the softened apple slices along the top edge of each strip, overlapping them slightly and ensuring the rounded part of the slices sticks out above the dough.
- Roll each strip from one end to the other, folding the dough over the base of the apple slices to hold them in place. This will create the rose effect as you roll.
- Place each rolled cinnamon roll into a greased muffin tin, ensuring the apple rose part faces upward.
Second Rise:
- Cover the muffin tin with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for 20-30 minutes until slightly puffed.
Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. If the apples start to brown too much, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Finish with Powdered Sugar:
- Once the rolls have slightly cooled, lightly dust the tops of the apple roses with powdered sugar. This will enhance the delicate rose petals and add a beautiful finishing touch.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Carefully remove the rolls from the muffin tin and serve warm.
Notes
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
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