Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls 🍏🌀

Overview:

Indulge in the comforting aroma of freshly baked Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls, a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a bit of sweetness. These rolls are infused with the goodness of applesauce, cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness, creating a mouthwatering sensation with every bite. With a prep time of just 2 hours and 25 minutes total, including baking, you can whip up a batch of these heavenly rolls effortlessly. So, let’s dive into the recipe and embark on a culinary journey that promises to delight your taste buds!

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need for the rolls and the icing:

Plus:

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, active dry yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

2. Prepare Wet Mixture:
   In a saucepan, heat the buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of butter, remaining sugar, salt, and 3/4 cup of applesauce over low heat until warm but not boiling. Once heated, pour this mixture into the dry ingredients along with the egg.

3. Knead the Dough:
   Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or your hands, knead the dough for 3-5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add extra flour as needed. Once kneaded, cover the dough and let it rest for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

4. Roll Out the Dough:
   After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch square.

5. Add Filling:
   Spread 1/4 cup of applesauce evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and 1/3 cup of sugar on top of the applesauce, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

6. Roll and Slice:
   Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 even slices.

7. Let Rise Again:
   Place the sliced rolls into two greased 8×8-inch baking pans, leaving space between each roll. Cover them and let them rise in a warm place until they double in size, approximately 30-45 minutes.

8. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, uncover them and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

9. Make the Icing:
   While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

10. Serve and Enjoy:
    Once the rolls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the prepared icing generously over the warm rolls. Serve them fresh and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 247.1 per serving
• Fat Content: 2.9g
• Saturated Fat Content: 1.5g
• Cholesterol Content: 23.2mg
• Sodium Content: 135.7mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 49.6g
• Fiber Content: 1.7g
• Sugar Content: 13g
• Protein Content: 5.5g

Tips and Variations:

• For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll.
• Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

These Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls are sure to become a family favorite, evoking memories of cozy mornings and delightful gatherings. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for a quick snack, these rolls are guaranteed to bring joy to your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a baking adventure that promises to fill your home with warmth and sweetness! 🍴✨