These beauts were made for this month’s gingerbread-themed What’s Baking, hosted by Catherine at Pursuing a Domestic Goddess-ness. When I found out that the theme was gingerbread, I knew immediately that I just had to make some cinnamon rolls.

There are few sweet brunch foods that I like. Waffles and pancakes? No thanks. But, cinnamon rolls are one food that I can get behind. Soft, fluffy, warm-from-the-oven bundles of goodness. Gingerbread and a bit of apple make these the ultimate winter breakfast or brunch dish. Make someone’s day by waking them up with some fresh-baked cinnamon rolls.

Overnight Apple Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

for the dough:
1 cup skim milk
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
4 – 5 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 large egg
1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
1/3 cup molasses

for the filling:
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 Granny Smith apples, diced (2 cups)
1/4 cup butter, softened

for the icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 – 4 tablespoons milk

1. Heat milk to 115°F. Stir in yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar until evenly dispersed. Set aside for 10 minutes to proof.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 4 cups flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set mixer on low and slowly add in yeast mixture, egg, butter, and molasses. Add in remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time, kneading well after each addition, until dough turns smooth and soft but still slightly sticky. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm location for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
4. Lightly flour your work surface. Turn dough out onto surface and roll into a 20×13-inch rectangle.
5. Spread softened butter over the entire surface. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon. Distribute diced apples over the entire surface.
6. Starting at the long end closest to you, tightly roll the cinnamon roll up. Gently pinch the end to seal and turn the roll seam-side down. Cut into 12 equal pieces. Place rolls into prepared baking pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
7. Remove rolls from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for 45 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 35 – 40 minutes or until lightly browned.
9. Prepare the icing: In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.

 

adapted from Baked by Rachel