Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls (Printable Version)

Tender cinnamon rolls infused with reduced apple cider provide a warm, comforting flavor perfect for fall gatherings.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3/4 cup warm apple cider (about 110°F)
02 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1 large egg, room temperature
06 - 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
07 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Filling

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
10 - 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
11 - 1 tsp apple pie spice
12 - 2 tbsp reduced apple cider

→ Glaze

13 - 1/2 cup reduced apple cider
14 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
15 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Combine 6 tablespoons and 1 1/2 cups apple cider in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces to approximately 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons and becomes syrupy. Allow to cool completely.
02 - Warm 3/4 cup apple cider to 110°F. In a large bowl, mix warm cider with yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes or with a stand mixer for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
03 - While dough rises, cream softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice together. Stir in 2 tablespoons of reduced apple cider until spreadable. Set aside.
04 - Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a floured surface. Roll into a 12 by 18 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the filling over the dough, reaching edges. Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls. Arrange rolls in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise until puffy, 30 to 45 minutes.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 23 to 28 minutes until golden and cooked through. Tent with foil in the last 5 minutes if browning too quickly.
06 - While rolls bake, combine reduced apple cider, granulated sugar, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool until glossy and pourable.
07 - Cool rolls for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. Drizzle generously with warm glaze. Serve warm.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Use plant-based butter substitutions for a dairy-free option without compromising texture or flavor.

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