Apple Cinnamon Rolls With Pecans and Icing
Warm, fluffy apple cinnamon rolls filled with spiced apples and toasted pecans, topped with a sweet vanilla icing. Perfect for cozy brunches and weekend treats.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl, stand mixer (optional), rolling pin, 9x13 baking dish, whisk, measuring tools, pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast 1 packet
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup whole milk warm
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs room temperature
For the Filling
- 2 medium apples peeled and finely chopped
- ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans toasted
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 –2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Dough
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Whisk milk, melted butter, and eggs separately, then mix with dry ingredients. Knead until smooth. Let rise in a greased bowl for 1–1½ hours.
- Prepare the Filling
- Mix chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter. Stir in toasted pecans.
- Roll and Fill
- Roll dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving ½-inch border.
- Slice and Arrange
- Roll into a log and cut into 12 pieces. Place in a greased baking dish. Let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, covering with foil if tops brown too fast.
- Make Icing
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
- Serve
- Drizzle icing over warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Can be made the night before and baked fresh in the morning. Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Add maple syrup or use cream cheese for variations.