Flaky Apple-Cinnamon Morning Buns

Imagine the warm scent of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen as these Flaky Apple-Cinnamon Morning Buns bake to golden perfection. The delicate layers of croissant dough create a crisp, buttery exterior, while the inside remains soft and tender, infused with spiced apple sweetness. The final touch? A light dusting of sugar that gives each bite an irresistible crunch.

These morning buns are the perfect way to welcome autumn mornings, paired with a hot cup of coffee or cider. The cider-steamed apples add an extra depth of flavor, making them even more delightful. Whether served as a cozy breakfast treat or a stunning addition to a brunch table, these buns are guaranteed to impress and satisfy!

Full Recipe:

  • 3 cups [325 g] Gala apples, peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch [3 mm] slices (about 3-4 apples)
  • 1/3 cup [80 g] apple cider
  • 1 cup [200 g] granulated sugar, divided (plus more for sprinkling)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 recipe Cheater’s Croissant Dough
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing the muffin pan)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the apples: In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the sliced apples and apple cider. Cover and let them steam until tender (8-10 minutes). Strain and allow them to cool to room temperature.
  2. Prepare the muffin pan: Generously butter the insides and tops of a 12-cup standard muffin pan. Coat each cup with granulated sugar, tapping out excess.
  3. Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup [100 g] sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Roll out the dough: Flour your work surface and roll out the croissant dough into a 10×24-inch [25×60 cm] rectangle. Brush with melted butter and evenly sprinkle the sugar mixture. Gently press the sugar into the dough. Scatter the cooled apples evenly on top.
  5. Roll and cut: Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a cylinder, placing the seam side down. Slice into 12 equal pieces (each about 2 inches [5 cm] wide). Transfer to the muffin pan, cut-side down.
  6. Let them rise: Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let the buns rise at room temperature until doubled in size (about 2-2.5 hours). Alternatively, refrigerate overnight for a slow rise.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F [200°C]. Press down on each bun slightly with a greased spatula. Place a sheet pan on a lower oven rack to catch drips. Bake for 15 minutes, press down again, then continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Coat in sugar: While warm, flip the buns onto a prepared wire rack. If needed, bake for 5-6 more minutes to achieve a golden color. Roll each bun in the remaining 1/2 cup [100 g] sugar before cooling on a wire rack.
  9. Serve: Best enjoyed fresh the same day!

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including rising time)
Kcal: 310 kcal per bun | Servings: 12 buns

Flaky Apple-Cinnamon Morning Buns: A Cozy Autumn Delight

Apple Morning Buns are a perfect combination of buttery croissant dough, caramelized apple filling, and warm cinnamon sugar. These pastries, inspired by the famous morning buns from Tartine Bakery, bring together the best flavors of fall in one indulgent bite. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or served as part of a festive brunch spread, these buns are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

The Inspiration Behind Apple Morning Buns

Morning buns have a long history in the world of pastry, evolving from classic cinnamon rolls and laminated dough techniques. The original morning buns gained fame at Tartine Bakery in San Francisco, where they became a must-try for food lovers. Their signature blend of flaky layers, caramelized sugar, and a hint of citrus made them stand out.

This version takes that concept and infuses it with autumnal flavors. Instead of the traditional orange zest, these buns are filled with apple slices that have been gently steamed in apple cider, enhancing their natural sweetness and infusing them with even more flavor. The result is a pastry that is not only rich and buttery but also bursting with spiced apple goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly flaky layers: Thanks to the croissant dough, these buns have an irresistible crispness on the outside while remaining soft and tender inside.
  • Warm and spiced flavors: Cinnamon, sugar, and apple cider combine to create a cozy, aromatic filling.
  • A delightful balance of textures: The contrast between the crunchy caramelized sugar and the melt-in-your-mouth dough makes every bite satisfying.
  • Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dough and shape the buns the night before, allowing for an easy bake in the morning.
  • Great for special occasions: Whether for a holiday breakfast, weekend brunch, or simply a treat for yourself, these buns are always a hit.

The Secret to Soft and Flavorful Apples

One of the key elements of this recipe is how the apples are prepared before they are rolled into the dough. Unlike traditional apple pastries, where the fruit is often added raw, this recipe calls for steaming the apples in apple cider.

Steaming the apples does two things:

  1. It softens them slightly, ensuring they blend seamlessly into the layers of dough rather than staying firm and crisp.
  2. It infuses them with extra apple flavor, enhancing their natural sweetness without needing too much added sugar.

If apple cider isn’t available, water can be used as an alternative, but the cider truly elevates the taste, making the apples taste richer and more autumnal.

How Morning Buns Differ from Cinnamon Rolls

At first glance, morning buns might look like cinnamon rolls, but there are key differences:

  • The dough: Cinnamon rolls are made with a yeasted, enriched dough that is soft and pillowy. Morning buns, on the other hand, use laminated croissant dough, creating distinct, flaky layers.
  • The texture: While cinnamon rolls are tender throughout, morning buns have a crispier, more delicate outer layer due to the high butter content in the dough.
  • The caramelization: These buns are rolled in sugar after baking, adding a delightful crunch and an extra touch of sweetness.

Because of these distinctions, morning buns feel more indulgent and pastry-like, making them perfect for when you want something special.

Tips for Success When Making Apple Morning Buns

  • Use high-quality butter: Since the dough is a key component, using a good European-style butter with a higher fat content will enhance the flavor and flakiness.
  • Roll the dough evenly: Ensuring that the dough is rolled out to an even thickness will help the buns bake uniformly and rise properly.
  • Chill the dough if needed: If the butter in the dough starts to feel too soft while rolling, pop it into the fridge for a few minutes to firm up. This will keep the layers intact and prevent the dough from tearing.
  • Don’t rush the rising time: The dough needs enough time to puff up before baking. If rushed, the buns may not reach their full, airy potential.
  • Press the buns down halfway through baking: This helps create a denser, golden bottom, preventing them from rising too much in the center.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Apple Morning Buns are best enjoyed fresh, warm from the oven. The crisp outer layers and delicate interior are at their peak right after baking. However, if you do have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They may lose some of their crispness but will still be delicious.
  • Reheating: To bring back the flakiness, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
  • Freezing: These buns can be frozen before baking (after shaping and rising) or after they have been fully baked. If freezing pre-baked, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.

Pairing Ideas for the Ultimate Brunch Experience

These apple morning buns are incredible on their own, but if you’re serving them as part of a larger breakfast or brunch spread, here are some complementary ideas:

  • Hot Beverages: A warm latte, chai tea, or even spiced apple cider pairs beautifully with these buns.
  • Savory Side Dishes: Balance the sweetness with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a cheese platter.
  • Fresh Fruits: Serve alongside a bowl of mixed berries or a fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast.
  • Whipped Butter or Honey Butter: A small dollop of butter on a warm bun melts into the layers, making them even more indulgent.

Conclusion

Apple Morning Buns are the ultimate blend of elegance and comfort, making them a perfect addition to any fall-inspired breakfast or brunch. The combination of buttery croissant dough, warmly spiced apples, and a crisp sugar coating creates a pastry that is both indulgent and irresistible.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend baking project or a show-stopping brunch treat, these buns are guaranteed to impress. With their delicate flakiness, rich apple filling, and caramelized sugar exterior, they capture the very essence of autumn in every bite.

So go ahead, bake up a batch, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and savor the flavors of fall with these delicious, homemade Apple Morning Buns!

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