Maple Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls for Two
These Maple Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls for Two are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fall flavor. Made with either homemade maple apple butter or store-bought apple butter, these rolls are perfectly spiced and topped with a rich maple cream cheese icing for a cozy treat you’ll love to share.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Apples of choice
Maple syrup
Lemon juive
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Apple pie spice
Light brown sugar
Milk of choice
Granulated sugar
Active dry or instant yeast
Egg yolk
Salted butter
Salt
All-purpose flour
Heavy cream
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
*You can use store-bought apple butter instead of making homemade for the cinnamon roll filling!
Why You’ll Love Maple Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls for Two:
Perfect Portion for Two: These cinnamon rolls are just the right size for two, making them ideal for a cozy breakfast or dessert without any leftovers.
Homemade or Store-Bought Apple Butter: Whether you use homemade maple apple butter for a personal touch or store-bought apple butter for convenience, these rolls are packed with rich apple flavor.
Soft and Fluffy Texture: The dough is light, airy, and pillowy, creating a cinnamon roll that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Bursting with Fall Flavors: The combination of apple butter, cinnamon, and maple cream cheese icing makes these cinnamon rolls the perfect autumn treat, full of warm and comforting flavors.
Rich Maple Cream Cheese Icing: The maple cream cheese icing adds a sweet, creamy finish that perfectly complements the spiced apple filling and enhances the overall flavor experience.
Quick and Easy to Make: With a small batch size, these cinnamon rolls are easy to prepare, making them an accessible option for any time of day.
Customizable with Homemade Apple Butter: If you love DIY, the option to use homemade maple apple butter adds a personal touch, while still allowing the convenience of using store-bought if you're short on time.
Great for Sharing: The small batch size makes these cinnamon rolls perfect for sharing a cozy, indulgent treat with someone special, whether it’s for breakfast or dessert.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Despite their impressive flavor, these cinnamon rolls are simple to make, providing a quick way to enjoy a decadent, homemade treat.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these rolls warm with a cup of coffee for breakfast, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.
Tips for Making Maple Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls for Two:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls, ensure your butter, milk, and egg are at room temperature. This helps the dough rise evenly and creates a tender texture.
Homemade or Store-Bought Apple Butter: Both homemade and store-bought apple butter work well in this recipe. If you have time, making your own maple apple butter adds an extra layer of flavor, but store-bought is a great option for convenience.
Knead Until Smooth: Knead the dough just until it becomes smooth and elastic. Over-kneading can result in tough cinnamon rolls, so aim for a soft, workable dough.
Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Spot: To help the dough rise properly, place it in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough near a warm oven or on top of the refrigerator to speed up the rising process.
Roll the Dough Evenly: When rolling the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure that the cinnamon rolls bake uniformly and rise evenly.
Don’t Overfill with Apple Butter: While it’s tempting to load up on the apple butter filling, too much can cause the rolls to become soggy. Spread a thin, even layer of apple butter to maintain the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Use a Sharp Knife for Cutting: When cutting the rolled dough into individual cinnamon rolls, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to create clean, even slices without squishing the rolls.
Bake Until Lightly Golden: Bake the cinnamon rolls just until they are golden brown and set in the middle. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time.
Let the Rolls Cool Slightly Before Icing: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for a few minutes before topping with the maple cream cheese icing. This prevents the icing from melting completely and allows it to set nicely on top.
Whisk the Icing Until Smooth: For the maple cream cheese icing, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. If the icing is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency.
Adjust the Sweetness of the Icing: Taste the icing before spreading it on the rolls. If you prefer a sweeter icing, add a little extra powdered sugar, or reduce it slightly if you prefer a less sweet finish.
Enjoy Warm for the Best Flavor: These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The soft, fluffy texture pairs perfectly with the rich apple butter filling and maple cream cheese icing.
How to Store Maple Apple Butter Cinnamon Rolls for Two:
Room Temperature (Up to 1 Day): Store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. This keeps them soft and moist, especially when you plan to eat them the same day.
Refrigeration (Up to 3 Days): For longer storage, refrigerate the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the rolls to come to room temperature or reheat them slightly before serving to maintain their soft, fluffy texture.
Freezing Baked Cinnamon Rolls (Up to 2 Months): You can freeze the baked cinnamon rolls by letting them cool completely, wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven or microwave.
Freezing Unbaked Cinnamon Rolls: To make ahead, you can freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls after shaping them. Place the rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and allow them to rise before baking as usual.
Storing the Maple Cream Cheese Icing Separately: If freezing or refrigerating the cinnamon rolls, store the maple cream cheese icing in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the rolls and drizzle the fresh icing on top before serving.
Reheating Cinnamon Rolls: Reheat refrigerated or thawed cinnamon rolls in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This will help restore their soft, pillowy texture.
Layering with Parchment Paper: If stacking cinnamon rolls in a container, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together and to keep the icing intact.
Avoid Storing at Room Temperature with Icing: If you plan to store the cinnamon rolls at room temperature, avoid icing them until just before serving. This will prevent the rolls from becoming soggy due to the cream cheese icing.
Best Served Fresh: While the cinnamon rolls can be stored, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, so try to bake and serve them on the same day for optimal flavor and texture.
Refreshing Rolls Before Serving: If the cinnamon rolls seem a little dry after storing, brush them with melted butter before reheating to add moisture and flavor.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use store-bought apple butter instead of homemade?
A: Yes! You can use either homemade maple apple butter for extra flavor or store-bought apple butter for convenience. Both will work wonderfully in this recipe.
Q: How do I make the dough soft and fluffy?
A: Ensure your ingredients, especially butter and milk, are at room temperature. Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic and allowing it to rise in a warm environment will help create soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls.
Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough and shape the cinnamon rolls, then refrigerate them overnight. The next day, allow them to come to room temperature and rise before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls.
Q: How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
A: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q: How do I reheat the cinnamon rolls?
A: Reheat the rolls in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave them for 20-30 seconds. This will help restore their soft, fluffy texture, especially when served warm.
Q: What is the maple cream cheese icing made of?
A: The icing is made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth for a sweet, creamy topping.
Q: Can I freeze the baked cinnamon rolls?
A: Yes! Freeze the baked cinnamon rolls by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving, then top with the maple cream cheese icing.
Q: Do I have to let the dough rise before baking?
A: Yes, allowing the dough to rise is essential for soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it has doubled in size before baking.
Q: Can I add extra toppings to the cinnamon rolls?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling or on top of the icing for added texture and flavor.
Q: Can I make the icing ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the maple cream cheese icing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slightly before drizzling over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Check out my other fall recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these maple apple butter cinnamon rolls for two. Happy baking!
