Apricot Rolls: A Sweet and Comforting Pastry You’ll Want Every Morning

Introduction

Few things rival the joy of biting into a warm, golden pastry that’s soft, sweet, and filled with fruity goodness. Apricot Rolls are exactly that kind of treat. Fluffy dough is wrapped around a luscious apricot filling, baked until golden, and sometimes finished with a drizzle of glaze. They’re a delightful balance of tender bread and sweet-tart fruit, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon indulgence.

Unlike more complicated pastries, these rolls are approachable and highly rewarding to make. They’re customizable, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to brighten any table. If you’re looking for a pastry that combines comfort with elegance, apricot rolls are a wonderful choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fruity & flavorful: Sweet apricot filling balances perfectly with buttery dough.
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a special holiday treat.
• Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, brunch buffets, or as a gift.
• Make-ahead friendly: Dough and filling can be prepared in advance.
• Customizable: Works with fresh, dried, or jammed apricots.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• ⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp salt

For the Apricot Filling:

• 2 cups fresh apricots, pitted and chopped or 1 ½ cups apricot jam
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ⅓ cup (65 g) brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening fresh apricots)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl (or stand mixer with dough hook)
• Rolling pin
• Saucepan (if making fresh apricot filling)
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or dough scraper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tsp sugar. Let sit until foamy (5–10 minutes).
2. Add sugar, butter, eggs, and salt. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface (8–10 minutes) or in a stand mixer (5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (1–1.5 hours).

Step 2: Make the Apricot Filling

• For Fresh Apricots: In a saucepan, combine chopped apricots, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until apricots soften (10 minutes). Stir in cornstarch mixture if needed. Let cool.
• For Apricot Jam: Mix jam with vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 14×10-inch rectangle.
2. Spread apricot filling evenly over the dough.
3. Roll up tightly from the long side, forming a log.
4. Slice into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Step 4: Second Rise

• Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake rolls for 22–28 minutes, until golden brown.
• Let cool slightly before glazing.

Step 6: Add the Glaze (Optional)

• Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
• Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Expert Tips

• Fluffier dough: Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for more structure.
• Perfect rise: Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
• Prevent sogginess: Make sure apricot filling is thickened and cooled before spreading.
• Clean slices: Use unflavored dental floss to cut rolls instead of a knife.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning.

Variations

• Nutty Apricot Rolls: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the filling.
• Cream Cheese Apricot Rolls: Spread softened cream cheese on dough before adding apricot filling.
• Cinnamon-Apricot Fusion: Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar over the filling for a spiced twist.
• Glazed Dried Apricot Rolls: Use rehydrated dried apricots instead of fresh or jam.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and egg replacers.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Serve as part of a brunch spread with fruit, yogurt, and eggs.
• Dust with powdered sugar instead of glaze for a simpler presentation.
• Warm slightly before serving for the ultimate comfort bite.

Storage & Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps for up to 5 days, though best eaten fresh.
• Freezing: Freeze baked rolls (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought crescent roll dough?
Yes, though homemade dough is softer and more flavorful.

Can I make these rolls without glaze?
Absolutely—skip the glaze for a lighter option or just dust with powdered sugar.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and water temperature is correct (not too hot, not too cold).

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Bake in two pans or larger baking sheets for parties and gatherings.

Nutrition Snapshot (per roll, with glaze)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g

(Values vary depending on filling and glaze options.)

Conclusion

Apricot Rolls are a sweet, comforting pastry that delivers the perfect balance of soft bread and fruity filling. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven, topped with a drizzle of glaze, or paired with your morning coffee, these rolls bring warmth and joy to the table.

They’re versatile enough for everyday breakfasts yet elegant enough for special occasions. Once you try them, you’ll understand why homemade fruit-filled rolls are such timeless classics.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make a batch of apricot rolls—you’ll be rewarded with a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.