Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Croissant Dough and Cream Cheese Frosting

Dive into the comforting embrace of Apple Cinnamon Rolls, a delicious take on the classic cinnamon roll, with the flaky, buttery layers of croissant dough. Each bun is generously filled with spiced apples, combining the tart sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, all wrapped in a luxurious, lightly sweetened cream cheese frosting. Whether served as a decadent breakfast, a cozy afternoon treat, or a show-stopping dessert, these Apple Cinnamon Rolls are sure to capture hearts and satisfy cravings with their perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Why you'll love it: These rolls elevate the beloved combination of apples and cinnamon by incorporating them into the light and airy layers of croissant dough, providing a more sophisticated and satisfying bite than the traditional cinnamon roll. The spiced apple filling provides a juicy contrast to the puff pastry, while the vanilla or cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting adds a creamy finish that perfectly complements the spicy filling. This recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when classic comfort food meets artisanal baking techniques.

Perfect occasion: Ideal for special weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches or as an elegant addition to a snack menu. These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are also a wonderful treat to celebrate the fall season, bringing a bit of fall's bounty to your table. Serve them hot from the oven to delight your family and guests with the irresistible aroma and taste of freshly baked pastry and spiced apples.

Decorating Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the warm buns and sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon or finely grated apple zest for color and texture. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add to their visual appeal. Serve on a beautiful plate, garnished with a few whole cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices for a presentation that is both rustic and refined.

Ingredients:

For the croissant dough:

• Use your favorite croissant dough recipe, prepared to final rise and ready to roll.

For the apple filling:

• 600 g peeled, cored and chopped apples
• 100g caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
• 50g unsalted butter

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 200 g fresh cheese, room temperature
• 40g powdered sugar
• Seeds from 1/2 vanilla pod or a dash of ground cinnamon, depending on preference
• 1 teaspoon of milk to adjust the consistency

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven as directed in your croissant dough recipe.
2. For the apple filling, melt the butter in a pan, add the chopped apples, sugar and cinnamon and cook until the apples are soft and caramelized. Let cool.
3. Roll out the croissant dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough.
4. Gently roll the dough into a log, starting at the long edge. Cut the log into slices.
5. Place the slices in a greased baking dish, giving them some room to expand. Bake according to directions for croissant dough, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. While the buns bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting by whisking together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla or cinnamon, and milk until smooth.
7. Once the buns have cooled slightly, drizzle them with cream cheese frosting.

Enjoy these divine Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Croissant Dough and Cream Cheese Frosting, a delicious treat that brings together the best of bakery classics with the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon.