German Apple Cinnamon Rolls (Apfelschnecken)

Method9 steps · about 1 hr 45 min

1. 1

   Step 1: Mix the 7 g yeast with 150 ml lukewarm milk and let stand for about 5 minutes until bubbly. Knead with the 500 g dough flour, 75 g dough sugar, 150 g sour cream and 75 g softened dough butter until smooth. Cover and rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled.

   Proof dough · 60 minUses 500 grams all-purpose flour · 7 grams active-dry yeast (1 small pouch) · 150 ml lukewarm milk for dough · 75 grams granulated sugar · 150 grams sour cream (greek yogurt or dairy free yogurt works too) · 75 grams butter (room temperature)

2. 2

   Step 2: While the dough rises, peel, core and finely dice the chosen 2 small apples OR 1 large apple. Toss with the 1 tbsp measured lemon juice and set aside.

   Uses 2 small apples OR 1 large apple · 1 tablespoon lemon juice

3. 3

   Step 3: Preheat the oven to 390°F /200°C.

4. 4

   Step 4: Roll the risen dough on a lightly floured surface into a 40 by 30 cm /16 by 12 inch rectangle.

   Uses risen apple-roll dough · Extra flour as needed for rolling the dough

   
5. 5

   Step 5: Spread the separate 50 g softened filling butter evenly over the rolled dough.

   Uses rolled dough rectangle · 50 grams butter (room temperature)

6. 6

   Step 6: Distribute the prepared apples over the buttered dough. Roll tightly along the longer 40 cm dimension, making a thick log about 30 cm long, with the apples enclosed.

   Uses buttered dough rectangle · lemon-tossed diced apples

7. 7

   Step 7: Cut the log into 12 equal rolls and place cut-side up with space between them on 2 parchment-lined or silicone-lined baking sheets. Tuck loose dough ends underneath and gently flatten any unusually tall rolls.

   Uses apple-filled dough log

   
8. 8

   Step 8: Melt the separate 3 tbsp brushing butter. Brush 1 tbsp of it over the unbaked rolls and reserve the remaining 2 tbsp for after baking. Bake each tray on the middle rack for about 20 minutes, rotating halfway through to brown evenly, until baked through and the centre springs back when lightly pressed.

   Bake rolls · 20 minUses twelve shaped apple rolls · 3 tbsp butter, melted and divided: 1 tbsp before baking and 2 tbsp after

9. 9

   Step 9: While the rolls bake, mix the separate 100 g coating sugar and 5 g ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. When the baked rolls are handleable, brush with the reserved 2 tbsp melted butter and dip their tops into the prepared cinnamon sugar. Serve fresh.

   Uses baked apple rolls · reserved 2 tbsp melted finishing butter · 100 grams granulated sugar · 5 grams ground cinnamon