Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your day, these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are just the ticket! Imagine biting into a soft, spiced roll that tastes just like a warm apple pie, all drizzled with luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe is such a treasure, perfect for cozy family gatherings or even a special holiday breakfast. It’s a great way to bring everyone together around the table, sharing smiles and deliciousness.

What makes these rolls truly special is the apple butter filling that infuses each bite with rich flavor. They capture the essence of autumn while being easy enough to whip up for any occasion — whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a relaxed weekend brunch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves cinnamon rolls, and adding apples takes them over the top!
• Deliciously comforting: With warm spices and sweet apple goodness, they’re like a hug in pastry form.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prep these ahead of time and have fresh rolls ready when you need them.
• Perfect for sharing: These rolls are great for potlucks or gatherings—everyone will want to grab one!
• Versatile flavors: The combination of apple and cinnamon is timeless and can be enjoyed year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry or local grocery store. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create these scrumptious Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls.

For the Filling

• 2 medium Granny Smith apples (diced)
• 1/4 cup apple butter
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

For the Dough

• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup bread flour
• 3 2/3 cups bread flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Tangzhong (from recipe above)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)

For the Topping

• 2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons apple butter

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Whether you’re looking to switch things up or accommodate different dietary preferences, there are plenty of ways to make these rolls your own.

• Swap the fruit: Use pears or peaches instead of apples for a different twist on flavor.
• Make it vegan: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk and use plant-based butter.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of warmth in flavor.

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by dicing your Granny Smith apples. Combine them in a saucepan with apple butter, granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Cook until the apples soften slightly and absorb all those lovely flavors. This step is crucial as it creates that mouthwatering filling reminiscent of your favorite apple pie!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In another bowl, mix together your flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. In a separate container, whisk together warm milk, heavy cream, an egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to your dry ingredients along with your prepared Tangzhong. Knead until smooth—this helps develop gluten which gives your rolls their fluffy texture!

Step 3: Assemble Your Rolls

After allowing your dough to rise until doubled in size, roll it out on a floured surface. Spread your apple filling evenly over the dough before sprinkling brown sugar mixed with cinnamon on top. Roll it tightly into a log shape and slice into individual rolls. Placing them in a greased baking dish allows them to bake evenly while rising beautifully.

Step 4: Bake & Frost

Preheat your oven while letting the rolls rise once more in their baking dish. Once they’re puffed up nicely, pop them in the oven! After baking until golden brown and smelling heavenly—let them cool slightly before drizzling with that creamy frosting made from cream cheese and powdered sugar mixed with heavy cream and more apple butter. The final touch? A sprinkle of cinnamon!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls—they’re bound to become a cherished favorite in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

To ensure your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the dough rise more effectively and ensures a uniform texture throughout the rolls.
• Knead the dough well: Kneading activates the gluten, which gives your rolls that soft and fluffy texture we all love. Aim for about 8-10 minutes of kneading.
• Don’t rush the rising time: Allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size is crucial for achieving a light and airy roll. Be patient; great things take time!
• Adjust baking time as needed: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your rolls towards the end of baking. They should be golden brown on top when done.
• Let them cool before frosting: Frosting warm rolls can cause it to melt away. Let them cool slightly to get that perfect creamy topping.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to make your dish shine!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of your frosted rolls for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon adds a beautiful touch and enhances the warm, spiced aroma of the rolls.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the rolls and adds a burst of color to your plate.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that contrasts nicely with the richness of cinnamon rolls.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these rolls with a hot beverage complements their flavors beautifully, making for a cozy breakfast or brunch experience.
• Scrambled eggs: The savory taste of scrambled eggs provides a delightful contrast to the sweet cinnamon rolls, creating a well-rounded meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious treats any time without the hassle of making them from scratch each time.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise stage. Refrigerate overnight and bake them fresh the next morning for a delightful breakfast treat.

What makes these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls special?

The combination of apple butter and fresh diced apples gives these cinnamon rolls a rich flavor reminiscent of classic apple pie, making them a unique twist on traditional rolls.

How do I know when my Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are done baking?

Your cinnamon rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. A toothpick inserted should come out clean without any raw dough.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls as much as I do! They’re not just a delightful treat; they also bring warmth and comfort to any gathering. Enjoy baking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations!

Print

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Indulge in the warmth of homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, a delightful blend of fluffy dough and rich apple butter filling that captures the essence of autumn. Each bite is a comforting embrace, reminiscent of your favorite apple pie, complemented by a luscious cream cheese frosting. Ideal for cozy family gatherings or festive brunches, these rolls are sure to bring smiles to the table. With their make-ahead convenience and versatile flavor options, they’re perfect for any occasion—from busy weekday mornings to leisurely weekend breakfasts. Experience the joy of baking with this easy-to-follow recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable treat!

• Author: Kaitlyn
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium Granny Smith apples (diced)
• 1/4 cup apple butter
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup bread flour
• 3 2/3 cups bread flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons apple butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling by cooking diced apples with apple butter, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until softened.
2. For the dough, mix bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk warm milk, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla; combine with dry ingredients and knead until smooth.
3. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size. Roll it out and spread the apple filling evenly on top; sprinkle with brown sugar mixed with cinnamon. Roll tightly into a log and slice into individual rolls.
4. Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise again before baking at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
5. Cool slightly before drizzling with a frosting made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and apple butter.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll (100g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg