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Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls

Stunning Apple Rose Cinnamon Rolls—easy to make yet a showstopper with delicate apple roses and a spiced filling, perfect for fall mornings
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Rise Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Bread, Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Servings: 9 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

If you don't have A Spice Affair's delicious Apple Pie Blend, you can substitute:
  • 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground cardamom