Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Roll Roses are a showstopper. The soft, fluffy dough, combined with the sweet and spiced apple filling, creates a delightful experience in every bite. The rose shape is not only visually appealing but also creates more layers of flavor and texture with every twist. The sourdough tang adds a unique depth to the rolls, setting them apart from traditional cinnamon rolls. With a sweet glaze on top and the aroma of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen, these rolls will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
1/2 cup milk (warm)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
3-4 cups all-purpose flour (start with 3 cups and add more as needed)

For the Apple Filling:

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze (Optional):

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Dough:

Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, sourdough starter, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Add the butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, and stir until combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

Cook the apples: In a small pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir occasionally and cook until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Assemble the Cinnamon Roll Roses:

Roll out the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 12×16 inches in size.
Spread the butter: Spread the softened butter for the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough.
Add the cinnamon-sugar filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Add the apple filling: Evenly distribute the cooled apple filling over the cinnamon-sugar layer.
Roll and cut: Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log. Once rolled, slice the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
Shape into roses: For each piece, gently pull apart the edges to form a rose shape, keeping the center slightly open. Place the rose-shaped rolls into a greased round baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat for all the pieces.

Bake the Rolls:

Let the dough rise: Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for another hour, or until puffy and slightly doubled in size.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the apples are bubbling.

Make the Glaze (Optional):

Prepare the glaze: While the rolls bake, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top.

Serve:

Serve: Enjoy these beautiful apple cinnamon roll roses warm, ideally with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 rolls
Total Time: 7-8 hours (including rising time)
Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding rising time)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Pecan Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans to the apple filling or sprinkle them over the cinnamon-sugar filling for an extra crunch.
Cranberry Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Mix dried cranberries with the apple filling for a tangy twist that complements the sweetness of the apples and cinnamon.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg, and non-dairy milk to make these rolls vegan-friendly.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the rolls before baking for an indulgent treat.
Use Store-Bought Dough: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made sourdough dough, or even regular bread dough, as a shortcut.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to store them for longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: To freeze, allow the rolls to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm.
Reheating: To reheat individual rolls, microwave them for 15-20 seconds or place them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their freshness.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls without sourdough starter?

Yes, you can make these rolls without sourdough starter by using regular yeast dough. Just substitute the sourdough starter with an equal amount of active dry yeast and follow your typical cinnamon roll dough recipe.

Can I make these rolls without the glaze?

Yes, the rolls are delicious even without the glaze. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can skip the glaze entirely or serve them with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

How can I make the rolls less sweet?

If you want to reduce the sweetness, use less sugar in the apple filling and omit the glaze. You can also adjust the cinnamon-sugar filling to your taste.

Can I use a different type of fruit in the filling?

Yes! You can experiment with other fruits like pears, peaches, or even berries in place of apples. Just be sure to cook them down so that they’re soft and not too watery.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough the night before. After kneading, cover it and let it rise in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.

Can I shape the rolls the night before and bake them in the morning?

Yes, after shaping the rolls, you can cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, take them out, let them rise for about an hour, and then bake.

Conclusion

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Roll Roses are the perfect blend of a classic cinnamon roll and the rich, tangy depth of sourdough. These beautiful, rose-shaped pastries are filled with sweet apples and cinnamon, topped with a sweet glaze, and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend breakfast, these rolls are sure to impress with both their flavor and appearance.

Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Roll Roses

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients