Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm apples, cinnamon, and freshly baked dough swirling through your kitchen. It’s not a dream; it’s the reality you can create with this delightful recipe! These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls; they’re a delectable fusion of two beloved classics, combining the comforting flavors of apple pie with the sweet, doughy goodness of cinnamon rolls.
The concept of cinnamon rolls has roots tracing back to Sweden and other parts of Northern Europe, where they’re often enjoyed during “fika,” a cherished coffee break tradition. Apple pie, on the other hand, is a quintessential American dessert, symbolizing home and hearth. By marrying these two culinary traditions, we’ve created something truly special and unique.
What makes these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The tender, fluffy dough gives way to a warm, spiced apple filling, all topped with a creamy, sweet glaze. They’re incredibly satisfying, easy to make (with our step-by-step guide!), and perfect for a weekend brunch, holiday gathering, or simply a cozy treat on a chilly evening. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable twist on a classic dessert!
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional:
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Chopped pecans or walnuts, for topping
Preparing the Dough:
Alright, let’s get started with the dough! This is the foundation of our amazing Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, so we want to make sure we get it right. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined so the yeast is evenly distributed. This will help the dough rise properly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs. The milk temperature is crucial here. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly. Aim for that sweet spot of 110-115°F.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step. If using a mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! The yeast is working its wonders, creating all those lovely air pockets that will make our cinnamon rolls light and fluffy.
Making the Apple Filling:
While the dough is rising, let’s get that delicious apple filling ready. This is where the “apple pie” part of our cinnamon rolls really shines!
- Sauté the Apples: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly softened. We don’t want them to be mushy, just tender enough to release their juices.
- Add Sugar and Spices: Stir in the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar is melted and the mixture is slightly thickened. The flour helps to create a nice, gooey filling.
- Finish the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness that balances the sweetness of the apples and sugar. Let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the dough for rolling.
Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:
Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where we transform our dough and apple filling into beautiful, swirly cinnamon rolls.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the rolls.
- Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as even as possible.
- Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices. Dental floss is a great trick for getting clean cuts without squishing the rolls! Simply slide the floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.
- Second Rise: Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy. This second rise is important for achieving that extra-soft texture.
Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:
Almost there! Now it’s time to bake our cinnamon rolls to golden-brown perfection.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before frosting. This allows them to set slightly and prevents the frosting from melting completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
No cinnamon roll is complete without a generous slathering of cream cheese frosting! This frosting is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, and it complements the apple pie filling beautifully.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened, or you’ll end up with lumps in your frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar all at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of sugar dust!
- Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Frosting and Serving:
The final step – frosting and serving! This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for.
- Frost the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls. Don’t be shy with the frosting – the more, the merrier!
- Optional Toppings: If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts. These toppings add extra flavor and texture, but they’re totally optional.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to reheat them, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh yeast: Expired yeast won’t activate properly, resulting in flat, dense cinnamon rolls.
- Don’t overheat the milk: Milk that’s too hot will kill the yeast. Aim for 110-115°F.
- Knead the dough well: Proper kneading develops the gluten, which gives the cinnamon rolls their structure and chewiness.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place: A warm environment helps the yeast to thrive
Conclusion:
This isn’t just another cinnamon roll recipe; it’s a warm hug in pastry form, a delightful fusion of two classic comfort desserts. The Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a must-try because they offer an explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you craving more. Imagine the soft, pillowy dough, swirled with a spiced apple pie filling that’s bursting with cinnamon, nutmeg, and the sweet-tartness of perfectly cooked apples. Then, picture it all topped with a creamy, decadent glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Seriously, what’s not to love?
But the real magic lies in how easy these rolls are to make. Forget spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. This recipe is designed to be approachable and fun, even for beginner bakers. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the result is a show-stopping treat that will impress your family and friends.
And the best part? You can totally customize these rolls to your liking! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for a delightful crunch. Or, if you’re a fan of caramel, drizzle a generous amount of salted caramel sauce over the glaze for an extra layer of indulgence. For a more festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of dried cranberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Serving suggestions are endless! These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or even a decadent dessert after dinner. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. They also pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
I truly believe that these rolls are something special. They’re more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They’re a way to bring people together, to create memories, and to share a little bit of happiness.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure. I promise you won’t regret it.
And once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of bakers who are passionate about sharing delicious food and spreading joy. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking!
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Fall Baking Recipe
Warm, gooey apple pie filling nestled inside soft, homemade cinnamon rolls, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. The perfect comfort food!
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Chopped pecans or walnuts, for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for about 5 minutes. Add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if too sticky.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- Stir in the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar is melted and the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one of the long edges.
- Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Tent with foil if the tops brown too quickly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before frosting.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls.
- If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for the best results.
- Ensure the milk is warmed to 110-115°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough well to develop gluten for a chewy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for optimal rising.
- Dental floss provides clean cuts when slicing the cinnamon rolls.
- Soften the cream cheese and butter completely for a smooth frosting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
