Nothing says cozy mornings like the scent of apple and cinnamon filling the kitchen. These golden, fragrant rolls capture that comforting aroma perfectly. Soft pastry layers wrap around spiced apple filling, while a hint of cinnamon and ginger essential oils adds depth that feels both nostalgic and invigorating. Whether you serve them on a holiday morning or a quiet Sunday brunch, the aroma alone feels like a gentle hug.
Ingredients 🍏
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (7 g) instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
Filling:
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, diced)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 drops cinnamon essential oil (food-grade)
- 1 drop ginger essential oil (food-grade)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation 👩🍳
- Warm the milk until just lukewarm. Stir in sugar and yeast. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and set aside in a warm place for about an hour.
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Melt butter in a pan and cook the apple pieces with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ginger. Once softened, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Then stir in the essential oils.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface, about ½ inch thick. Spread the apple mixture evenly over it.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 10–12 pieces. Arrange in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix all glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls.
Serving Idea ☕🍯
Serve warm with a cup of chai tea or a frothy latte. A small dish of vanilla yogurt or clotted cream on the side makes each bite even more indulgent.
Why It Works 💫
Cinnamon essential oil deepens the warmth of the baked spices, creating that unmistakable autumn scent. Ginger essential oil adds brightness and a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the apples. Together, they evoke both comfort and energy, blending familiar flavors with a touch of aromatic wellness.
Safety Note ⚠️
Always use only certified food-grade essential oils in cooking. A little goes a long way, so follow measured drops carefully. Do not exceed recommended amounts. Keep all essential oils out of reach of children and avoid adding them directly to hot ingredients to preserve their natural properties.
If your heart finds joy and inspiration here, consider supporting the work that keeps these stories blooming. Your donation, no matter the size, helps sustain authentic research, creative writing, and the spirit of sharing that connects us all.