Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert

If you’re craving something sweet and comforting, apple pie cinnamon rolls are the perfect choice. Combining the classic flavor of apple pie with the soft, fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls, these rolls are a crowd-pleasing dessert or breakfast option. Imagine warm, spiced apples nestled in a pillow of dough, topped with rich cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect indulgence for fall or any time you want a cozy treat.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these mouth-watering rolls from scratch, with tips for making the best dough, the tastiest filling, and a perfect frosting to finish them off. You’ll also learn how to adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, including using fresh apples versus canned filling, or making the dough ahead of time. Plus, we’ll answer some common questions about the recipe to ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Why Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Are a Must-Try

Apple pie cinnamon rolls combine two of the best desserts into one perfect dish. The tartness of apples and the warm, spicy sweetness of cinnamon come together to make a roll that’s far from ordinary. Plus, the addition of the creamy frosting elevates it even further. These rolls are ideal for serving at a family gathering, a cozy weekend breakfast, or even as a holiday dessert. Here’s why they’re so special:

• Texture: The dough is soft, fluffy, and perfectly risen, providing the ideal base for the sweet apple filling.
• Flavor: The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery dough creates a sweet, fragrant flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Customization: You can make these rolls with homemade apple pie filling or opt for the convenience of canned filling. The recipe also allows for some tweaks, like adding nuts or caramel.
• Versatility: They can be enjoyed as a dessert, breakfast, or snack, making them a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

If you’re new to baking with yeast dough, or want to perfect your technique, you may want to explore tips on making soft pretzels to learn more about working with yeast and dough handling.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Before we get into the steps, here’s what you’ll need for the dough, filling, and frosting:

Dough:

• 1 cup milk (warmed to 110°F or 45°C)
• 2 ½ teaspoons quick-rise yeast
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• 1 large egg (lightly whisked)
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Apple Filling:

• ¾ cup brown sugar (loosely packed)
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 can apple pie filling (or homemade filling, see below)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar (add more if needed)

For a personal touch, try making your own homemade apple pie filling with fresh apples, cinnamon, and sugar. This will give the rolls a more authentic, homemade flavor.

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

The dough is the foundation of these apple pie cinnamon rolls, and making it from scratch is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your dough is soft, fluffy, and perfectly risen:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial to ensuring your dough rises properly.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the lightly whisked egg, melted butter, remaining sugar, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. The dough should be sticky but manageable.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.

For more tips on how to work with yeast doughs, check out this guide on working with dough.

Step 2: Making the Apple Filling

While your dough is rising, it’s time to prepare the filling. The filling is where the magic happens, as it infuses the rolls with that sweet, cinnamon-apple flavor. You have two options: using canned apple pie filling for convenience, or making your own from scratch.

Homemade Apple Filling:

• Ingredients:
  5 apples (peeled, cored, and diced), ⅓ cup white sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
• Instructions:
  In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the apples are fully coated in the mixture. Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and let the apples simmer until they are soft and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly before spreading it onto the dough.

If you prefer using canned apple pie filling, simply dice the apples into smaller pieces before using them in the recipe.

Step 3: Assembling the Rolls

Now that your dough has risen and your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the rolls. Here’s how:

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 21 x 14 inches in size.
2. Spread the Filling: Brush the rolled-out dough with melted butter, then sprinkle it evenly with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Gently rub the cinnamon sugar mixture into the butter to ensure even coverage. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough.
3. Roll and Slice: Starting at one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, like a jelly roll. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it. Trim the ends if necessary, and cut the dough into 12 even slices.
4. Arrange in Pan: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them with a clean towel and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes until doubled in size.

Step 4: Baking the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen for the second time, bake them for 35-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the center is cooked through. Be careful not to overbake, as this can cause the rolls to become dry.

Step 5: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency. The frosting should be thick but spreadable.
3. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the frosting generously over the top.

Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Here are some expert tips to ensure your rolls come out perfectly every time:

• Temperature Control: When working with yeast, it’s important that the milk is warm but not hot. If the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising. Aim for a temperature between 105°F and 110°F.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these rolls ahead of time by assembling them the night before, refrigerating them overnight, and baking them fresh in the morning. This is a great option if you want freshly baked rolls without all the morning prep.
• Freezing the Rolls: If you want to freeze the rolls, do so before baking. Once they are assembled, place the rolls in a baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake them, allow the rolls to thaw and rise at room temperature before popping them into the oven.

FAQs

Can I use different apples for the filling?
Yes! You can experiment with different apple varieties to achieve the flavor and texture you prefer. Granny Smith apples are a great option for a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweet and crunchy texture. Learn more about choosing the right apples with this guide on the best apples for baking.

Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw them at room temperature, let them rise, and bake as directed.

What other fillings can I use?
If you want to mix things up, try adding chopped pecans, raisins, or even a caramel drizzle. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to create a unique flavor profile.

Conclusion

Apple pie cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food, combining the sweetness of apple pie with the soft, pillowy texture of cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying out a yeast dough for the first time, this recipe is simple enough to follow and yields delicious results every time. With a rich, spiced apple filling and a creamy frosting, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household.

If you’re ready to give this recipe a try, don’t hesitate! Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the sweet aroma of freshly baked apple pie cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. And if you’re in the mood to experiment with dough, check out these basic soft pretzels to hone your skills further.

Happy baking!