Cinnamon Apple Roll Ups: A Delightful Pastry Treat
Introduction
Cinnamon apple roll ups are a delightful pastry treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and the sweet tartness of apples. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. With a flaky, buttery crust and a gooey apple cinnamon filling, these roll ups are sure to be a hit with family and friends. They are also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. So, let’s get started and learn how to make these delicious cinnamon apple roll ups!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 4 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate small bowl, stir together the sour cream and vanilla extract. Pour the sour cream mixture into the flour mixture and stir until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times to bring it together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir to coat the apples evenly. Cook the apples for about 8-10 minutes until they are tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle that is approximately 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Place the sliced roll ups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each roll up. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the roll ups are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These cinnamon apple roll ups can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Variations
While these cinnamon apple roll ups are delicious as they are, you can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the apple filling for some added crunch.
- Sprinkle some raisins or dried cranberries over the apple filling before rolling up the dough.
- Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the baked roll ups for a sweet finishing touch.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your cinnamon apple roll ups turn out perfect every time:
- Make sure the butter for the dough is cold. This helps create a flaky texture in the crust.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. Chilled dough is easier to handle and results in a flakier crust.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the roll ups to maintain their shape.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and spices in the filling to suit your taste.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Conclusion
Cinnamon apple roll ups are a delightful pastry treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. With their flaky crust and gooey apple cinnamon filling, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these roll ups are bound to impress your family and friends. So, gather the ingredients and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought dough as a time-saving alternative. Look for pre-made puff pastry or crescent roll dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
2. Can I freeze the cinnamon apple roll ups?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked roll ups. After slicing the log into individual roll ups, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen roll ups on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I use a different type of fruit for the filling?
Absolutely! While apples are traditional and work wonderfully in this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches, pears, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and amount of sugar accordingly.
4. Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to two days and the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to assemble and bake, simply follow the steps outlined in the recipe.
5. Can I reheat the cinnamon apple roll ups?
Absolutely! If you have leftovers or want to enjoy the roll ups warm, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
