Cinnabons with caramelized spicy apples and butter cream offer a delightful treat you won't forget. The soft, fluffy dough wraps around warm, sautéed apples, infused with cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting and caramel sauce, every bite hits the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. They're an indulgent choice any time of day. If you're curious about tips for making them at home and pairing suggestions, there's more to explore.
History
When Cinnabon was founded in 1985 in Seattle, Washington, it quickly captured the hearts of dessert lovers with its signature cinnamon rolls.
The chain became famous for its rich, buttery dough and generous cream cheese frosting, creating an indulgent dessert that defined a generation.
Cinnabon's rich, buttery dough and luscious cream cheese frosting created a decadent treat that captured a generation's love for dessert.
Cinnabon's unique blend of cinnamon and sugar has inspired numerous variations, including those featuring caramelized apples and spiced apples.
This aligns with a historical trend of incorporating fruit into baked goods, balancing sweetness and tartness with rich flavors.
With over 1,200 locations worldwide, Cinnabon solidified its status as a leader in the cinnamon roll market.
Seasonal offerings showcase complex flavors, proving that cinnamon rolls can evolve while delighting the ever-changing consumer palate.
Recipe
To create the perfect Cinnabons with caramelized spicy apples and buttercream, begin by preparing a soft and fluffy dough. Start by warming some milk and mixing it with sugar and yeast to activate it. Once bubbly, combine it with a blend of all-purpose and bread flour to achieve the desired texture. This step is crucial, as the quality of the dough will determine the fluffiness of your Cinnabons.
Next, prepare the filling by sautéing diced apples in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until they caramelize beautifully. This mixture will add a deliciously sweet and spicy flavor to the rolls.
After rolling out the dough, spread the caramelized apple filling evenly, roll it tightly, and cut it into equal pieces. Allow the rolls to rise before baking them to golden perfection at 375°F.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups diced apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Cooking Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast, allowing it to rest for about 5 minutes until frothy. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and bread flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth, then place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, sauté the diced apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until caramelized. Roll out the dough, spread the apple filling over it, and roll it tightly before cutting into pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, let them rise again for about 30 minutes, and then bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
For the buttercream, whip together softened butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar, then drizzle in caramel sauce. Frost the warm Cinnabons generously with the caramel buttercream.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure your milk is warm but not too hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast. When caramelizing the apples, ensure they're diced evenly for consistent cooking and flavor.
You can experiment with different types of apples to find your favorite flavor combination. Additionally, if you want to prepare the Cinnabons ahead of time, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before, then refrigerate the rolls overnight and bake them fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat.
Cooking Steps
To make these delicious Cinnabons, you'll start by preparing the caramelized spicy apples that will add a delightful twist. Once that's done, knead the cinnamon roll dough until it's soft and smooth. After rolling and slicing the dough, you can add the apple filling for a burst of flavor in every bite. Additionally, consider pairing your Cinnabons with fermented vegetable plates for a unique balance of flavors and enhanced nutritional value.
Step 1. Prepare Caramelized Spicy Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing 3 medium-large apples into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, combine the diced apples with ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, stirring until the mixture bubbles. Chia seeds can be a great addition to your diet, offering numerous health benefits while you enjoy this delicious treat.
Reduce the heat to medium. Whisk together 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of water to create a slurry.
Add this to your apple mixture, cooking until soft and the sauce thickens. For an enhanced spice profile, toss in a pinch of sea salt and a teaspoon of ground cardamom.
Once ready, let the caramelized apple filling cool in a wide bowl before using. Additionally, consider using essential oils for flavoring to elevate the dish with aromatic notes.
Step 2. Knead the Cinnamon Roll Dough
Now that the caramelized spicy apples are ready, it's time to focus on the cinnamon roll dough.
Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast, letting it activate for 5-10 minutes until it's frothy.
Next, mix in melted butter, eggs, and dry ingredients like flour and salt.
If you're using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook, or knead by hand until a soft, elastic dough forms.
Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough pulls away from the bowl and isn't sticky.
Transfer it to a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
Your dough is now ready for rolling and shaping!
Step 3. Roll and Slice the Dough
Once the dough has risen and doubled in size, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the caramelized spicy apple filling evenly across the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch border at the edges. This border prevents spillage when you roll the dough.
Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log to maintain the filling's integrity.
Once rolled, cut the dough into 1-inch slices using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean edges.
Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish, ensuring they're spaced evenly to allow for rising and expansion during the final proofing before baking.
Enjoy the process!
Step 4. Prepare the Filling Mixture
To prepare the filling mixture, peel and core the apples before cutting them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and flavor distribution.
In a skillet, combine the diced apples with unsalted butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Cook over medium-high heat until the mixture begins to bubble.
Once the apples soften, whisk together water and cornstarch to create a slurry, then stir it into the apple mixture to thicken the filling. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches your desired consistency, ensuring the apples are tender but not mushy—this usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
Finally, allow the apple filling to cool completely in a wide bowl or tray before using it.
Step 5. Add Caramelized Apple Filling
As you prepare to add the caramelized apple filling, make sure the mixture has cooled completely to ensure it doesn't melt the dough when rolled.
Start by rolling out your dough on a floured surface. Spoon the cooled caramelized apple filling, made from diced apples, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, onto the dough, spreading it out so it's evenly distributed.
The filling should include tender apples that are thickened with a cornstarch slurry, giving it a perfect texture. Once you've spread the filling, roll the dough tightly into a log.
Cut it into individual cinnamon rolls and place them in your baking dish. You're now ready for the next step in creating delicious Cinnabons!
Final Thoughts
Cinnabons with caramelized apples offer a delightful culinary experience that combines sweet and spicy flavors in every bite. The soft dough absorbs the rich flavor of the spiced apple filling, creating a perfect balance of sweetness. Furthermore, pairing these indulgent rolls with frozen yogurt can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet flavors. Juice cleansing can be an effective way to support weight management, which complements the indulgence of these Cinnabons.
The caramelized apples, cooked with butter, brown sugar, and warm spices, enhance their natural sweetness, making each roll indulgent. When you use cream cheese icing, often enriched with caramel, it adds a tangy contrast that elevates the entire dish.
Allowing the dough an overnight rise not only saves time but also develops its fluffiness, ensuring a light texture. Additionally, these Cinnabons can be complemented with a protein-rich start to your day, making them versatile for any meal. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or dessert, these Cinnabons promise to satisfy your cravings with their decadent combination of flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Cinnabon's Secret Ingredient?
Cinnabon's secret ingredient is their unique blend of high-quality Korintje cinnamon. This cinnamon gives their rolls a sweet and robust flavor that's hard to resist.
You'll also notice the rich cream cheese frosting, combining butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, which complements the sweetness beautifully.
The dough's enrichment with butter, sugar, and eggs ensures a soft and fluffy texture, making every bite a delightful experience that keeps you coming back for more.
What Does Pouring Heavy Cream on Cinnamon Rolls Do?
Pouring heavy cream on cinnamon rolls provides a perfect blend of moisture and mouthwatering flavor.
When you add cream, it steams during baking, ensuring your rolls stay tender and fluffy. The cream's richness enhances sweetness, creating a gooey, decadent base that absorbs all those delightful spices.
Plus, it gives you a beautifully browned, slightly crispy top layer, making your cinnamon rolls not only delicious but visually appealing, elevating them to gourmet status!
What Is the Difference Between Cinnamon Rolls and Cinnabons?
When you compare cinnamon rolls and Cinnabons, you'll notice a few key differences.
Cinnabons are generally larger and richer, thanks to their denser dough and special blend of spices, including cardamom. They're often topped with a creamy, indulgent cream cheese frosting, while traditional cinnamon rolls might've a simpler glaze.
Additionally, Cinnabons are baked in a spiral formation, giving them a unique texture and presentation that sets them apart from classic cinnamon rolls.
What Is a Dirty Cinnamon Roll?
Ever wondered what makes a "dirty cinnamon roll" so irresistible? It's all about indulgence!
These rolls are loaded with decadent toppings like cream cheese frosting, caramel, and even chunks of candy or fruit mixed in. The result? A gooey, messy delight that challenges traditional sweetness levels and invites creativity.
You'll find them all over social media, showcasing unique flavors that inspire you to experiment in your own baking adventures!
