√ The Secret to Extra Soft & Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls

The Secret to Extra Soft & Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls

May 20, 2026

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy rolls filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and tender caramelized apples. Every swirl is packed with warm cinnamon flavor, juicy apples, and rich brown sugar, then finished with a smooth cream cheese glaze that melts beautifully over the warm rolls. They’re cozy, comforting, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Tangzhong

60 g bread flour
60 g boiling water

Dough

600 g bread flour
8 g salt
5 g instant yeast
130 g warm milk (about 30°C)
70 g granulated sugar
30 g milk powder
2 eggs
120 g tangzhong
130 g milk
60 g unsalted butter
40 g egg wash (about 2/3 egg)

Apple Filling

6 apples, peeled and diced
90 g granulated sugar
60 g unsalted butter
Juice of 1 lemon

Cinnamon Butter Filling

40 g unsalted butter
28 g unsalted butter, softened
20 g beaten egg
100 g brown sugar
4 g ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze

20 g cream cheese, softened
20 g unsalted butter, softened
100 g powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Make the Tangzhong

In a small bowl, mix the bread flour with boiling water until a smooth paste forms.
Set aside and let cool.

2. Prepare the Dough

Mix the instant yeast into the warm milk and let it sit for a few minutes.
In a stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, milk powder, eggs, milk, tangzhong, and yeast mixture.
Knead until a rough dough forms.
Add the butter and salt, then continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic and reaches the windowpane stage.
Shape the dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

3. Cook the Apple Filling

Melt 60 g butter in a pan over medium heat.
Add the granulated sugar and stir until dissolved.
Add the diced apples and cook until softened and lightly caramelized.
Squeeze in the lemon juice and continue cooking until the apples become golden and most of the moisture evaporates.
Let cool completely.

4. Make the Cinnamon Butter Filling

Brown 40 g butter in a pan until fragrant and golden.
Mix it with the softened butter.
Add the beaten egg, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
Stir until smooth and spreadable.

5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

Mix softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and mix until creamy.
Microwave briefly if needed to create a softer drizzle consistency.

6. Shape the Rolls

Divide the risen dough into 2 equal portions.
Roll each portion into a rectangle about 30×50 cm.
Spread the cinnamon butter filling evenly over the surface.
Top with the cooked apple filling.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Pinch the seam closed.
Trim the ends, then slice each log into equal rolls using thread or a sharp knife.

7. Second Rise

Arrange the rolls in parchment-lined baking pans, leaving some space between each roll.
Cover and let rise again until puffy and about 1.5 times their original size.