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Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes. 

 

Introduction

 

If fall had a scent, it would be the mix of warm cinnamon, buttered apples, and freshly baked dough. That’s exactly what fills my kitchen every time I make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe—a sweet, gooey fusion of two beloved comfort foods.

This recipe was born on a quiet Sunday morning when I couldn’t decide between baking a cinnamon roll or an apple pie. So I thought, why not combine both? I diced up some Granny Smith apples, tossed them in brown sugar and cinnamon, and folded them into my favorite homemade cinnamon roll dough. The result? Absolute magic.

These rolls are everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls—soft, pillowy dough, swirled with cinnamon sugar—but with an added layer of buttery apple pie filling tucked inside. They’ve become a staple at our family brunches, especially in the fall, but honestly? They’re perfect year-round.

What Are Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?

 

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a delicious combination of classic cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling. They feature:

• A fluffy, buttery yeast-based dough,

• A rich cinnamon-sugar filling,

• Tender, spiced apples,

• And a luscious glaze (either vanilla or cream cheese-based).

Think of it as everything you love about a homemade cinnamon roll and a slice of warm apple pie rolled into one decadent breakfast (or dessert) treat.

Whether you’re serving them for Thanksgiving breakfast, a cozy weekend brunch, or a weekday indulgence, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

 

For the Dough

 

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• ½ tsp salt

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

For the Apple Pie Filling

 

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

• 2 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp apple pie spice (optional)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (to thicken)

For the Cinnamon Filling

 

• ⅓ cup softened butter

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

 

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional: Use cream cheese frosting for a richer topping.

How to Prepare 

 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

 

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This confirms the yeast is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

 

Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time, until a sticky dough forms.

Knead:

• By hand: 8–10 minutes on a floured surface

• Stand mixer: 5–7 minutes with the dough hook on medium speed

The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add a little more flour if needed.

Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Apple Pie Filling

 

While the dough rises:

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.

3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until apples are slightly softened.

4. Mix cornstarch and water; add to apples to thicken.

5. Let cool completely before using.

Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

 

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 5: Roll & Fill the Dough

 

Once the dough has risen:

1. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.

2. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough.

3. Spoon the cooled apple pie filling over the cinnamon sugar, spreading evenly but leaving ½ inch at the edges.

Step 6: Roll Up & Slice

 

Roll the dough tightly from the long end to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal.

Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut into 12 equal rolls.

Step 7: Second Rise

 

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

Step 8: Bake

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the centers are cooked through.

Step 9: Glaze

 

While warm, drizzle with glaze or spread with cream cheese frosting. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve

 

These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm out of the oven, but you can also prepare them in advance for special occasions.

Serving Suggestions:

 

• With a warm drink: Coffee, spiced chai, or apple cider

• For brunch: Pair with eggs, fruit salad, or a breakfast casserole

• As dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Holiday mornings: Make ahead and reheat for Christmas or Thanksgiving

Pro Tip: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent finish.

Variations

 

Want to add your own twist? Here are some creative and delicious variations:

1. Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

 

Replace the glaze with rich cream cheese frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese

• ¼ cup butter

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla

Beat until smooth and spread generously over warm rolls.

2. Chunky Apple & Walnut Rolls

 

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for a crunchy contrast.

3. Salted Caramel Apple Rolls

 

Drizzle with homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce after baking.

4. Vegan Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

 

• Replace milk with almond or oat milk

• Use vegan butter

• Use flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)

5. Overnight Rolls

 

Prepare the rolls, place them in the pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30–45 minutes, then bake.

FAQs

 

1. Can I use store-bought dough?

 

Yes, you can use refrigerated crescent or cinnamon roll dough for a shortcut, but homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture.

2. What are the best apples to use?

 

Granny Smith apples hold their shape and offer tartness to balance the sweet filling. Honeycrisp or Braeburn also work well.

3. Can I make them in advance?

 

Absolutely. You can:

• Prepare the rolls and refrigerate overnight before baking.

• Bake and freeze them (unfrosted), then thaw and reheat.

• Bake the night before and reheat in a low oven the next morning.

4. Why are my rolls dense or dry?

 

This may be due to:

• Not letting the dough rise enough

• Using too much flour

• Overbaking

Make sure your dough is soft and elastic, and your oven temperature is accurate.

5. How do I store leftovers?

 

Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container:

• At room temperature for 2 days

• In the fridge for up to 5 days

• In the freezer for up to 3 months

Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Final Thoughts

 

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings together the best of fall baking, look no further than these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. They’re warm, gooey, packed with flavor, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, holiday gathering, or just because you need a pick-me-up, these rolls never disappoint. The combination of tender apples, buttery cinnamon filling, and soft, homemade dough is pure comfort food at its finest.

Bake them once, and they’ll become part of your family tradition—just like they did in my kitchen.

Happy baking!

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