Description

Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Icing are fluffy, tender, and bursting with natural sweetness from fresh apples and warming cinnamon spice. Topped with a luscious plant-based maple icing (natural), these rolls offer a perfectly balanced treat suitable for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With simple pantry ingredients and customizable options, they bring cozy comfort and delightful flavors to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for gluten-free version)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup plant-based milk (e.g., almond or oat milk)
2 tbsp brown sugar (natural)
1/2 tsp salt

Filling Ingredients

2 cups fresh apples, finely chopped (firm varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji)
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar (natural)
1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Optional: 1/4 cup smoked turkey bacon, cooked and finely chopped
Optional: 1/4 cup smoked turkey slices, finely diced

Maple Icing Ingredients

1/3 cup maple syrup (natural)
1–2 tbsp plant-based milk
1/2 tsp natural gelling agent (such as pectin or agar)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Warm the plant-based milk so it is cozy but not hot. Dissolve the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar in the milk. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and activated. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and brown sugar. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, kneading the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Make the Filling: While the dough rises, toss the finely chopped apples with cinnamon, brown sugar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. If using smoked turkey bacon or smoked turkey slices, cook lightly and chop finely before mixing them into the filling.
Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the apple cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll up tightly from the long side, then slice into 12 to 15 even pieces.
Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish with some space between each. Cover loosely and allow them to rise for about 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake: Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of cinnamon and apples will fill your kitchen.
Prepare the Maple Icing: While the rolls bake, whisk together maple syrup, plant-based milk, and the natural gelling agent until smooth and slightly thickened.
Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the warm rolls generously with the maple icing and serve immediately for the best gooey, sweet experience.

Notes

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for best filling texture.
Do not skip the second rise to ensure extra fluffy and tender rolls.
Use room temperature ingredients for even dough rising and better mixing.
Slice rolls evenly with a sharp knife for uniform baking.
Let rolls cool slightly before icing to prevent the glaze from melting off too quickly.

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: apple cinnamon rolls, maple icing, plant-based dessert, gluten free rolls, breakfast rolls, cinnamon rolls with apples