Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Fall Baking Recipe

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and freshly baked dough. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue, a comforting hug in every bite. Forget choosing between apple pie and cinnamon rolls – now you can have the best of both worlds in one delectable treat!

Cinnamon rolls, with their swirling layers of dough and sweet, spicy filling, have a rich history, tracing back to Scandinavia. While their exact origins are debated, they’ve become a beloved comfort food worldwide. Apple pie, on the other hand, is a quintessential American dessert, symbolizing home and hearth. Combining these two iconic treats creates a fusion that’s both familiar and exciting.

What makes apple pie cinnamon rolls so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures – the soft, pillowy dough, the tender, spiced apples, and the creamy, decadent frosting. The warm cinnamon and sweet apple filling evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort, while the convenience of a handheld roll makes them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. These rolls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, bringing smiles and satisfied sighs with every delicious bite. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will quickly become a family favorite!

this Recipe

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 (½ stick) 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 worry, it’s easier than it looks!

1. 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.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and 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 between 110-115°F.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. It will be sticky, and that’s perfectly fine!
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to add too much, or the rolls will be tough. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
5. 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 rolls light and fluffy.

Making the Apple Filling:

While the dough is rising, let’s whip up that delicious apple filling. This is where the “Apple Pie” part really shines through!

1. 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.
2. 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 thickened. The flour helps to create a nice, gooey sauce.
3. Finish the Filling: Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. The lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and helps to prevent the apples from browning. Let the filling cool completely before using. This is important, as a hot filling can melt the butter in the dough and make it difficult to roll.

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where we transform our dough and filling into beautiful, swirly cinnamon rolls.

1. 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. The thinner you roll the dough, the more layers your rolls will have.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one of the long edges. This border will help to seal the rolls.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to prevent gaps in the finished rolls.
4. Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices. Dental floss works really well for this, as it creates clean cuts without squishing the dough.
5. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up slightly. This second rise is crucial for creating light and airy rolls.

Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these beauties until they’re golden brown and irresistible.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent them with foil.
3. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for 10-15 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 tangy, sweet, and the perfect complement to the apple pie filling.

1. 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 both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the best results.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add all the powdered sugar at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of sugar dust!
3. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Frosting and Serving:

The final touch! Let’s frost these warm rolls and get ready to enjoy the fruits (or apples!) of our labor.

1. Frost the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm cinnamon rolls. Don’t be shy – the more frosting, the better!
2. Optional Toppings: If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts. These toppings add extra flavor and texture.
3. Serve: Serve the Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are truly a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of fall, the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls, and the delightful surprise of a hidden apple pie filling. I know, I know, it sounds almost too good to be true, but trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked. The warm spices, the tender dough, and the sweet-tart apples combine to create a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds.

Why are these rolls a must-try? Because they’re more than just cinnamon rolls; they’re an experience. They’re the perfect way to start a cozy weekend morning, impress your friends and family at brunch, or simply treat yourself to something special after a long day. They’re also surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. I’ve broken down the steps into manageable chunks, so you can confidently create these delicious treats in your own kitchen.

But the best part? The versatility! While I’ve shared my go-to recipe, feel free to get creative and put your own spin on it.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Icing Options: While the cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, don’t be afraid to experiment! A simple vanilla glaze, a maple-flavored icing, or even a dusting of powdered sugar would be equally delicious. For a tangier twist, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to your cream cheese frosting.
* Apple Varieties: I personally love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples would also work beautifully. Each variety will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the rolls, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
* Nutty Additions: For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling or sprinkling them on top of the frosting. The nutty crunch complements the sweetness of the apples and cinnamon perfectly.
* Caramel Drizzle: Take these rolls to the next level by drizzling them with warm caramel sauce before serving. The rich, buttery caramel adds an extra layer of indulgence that’s simply irresistible.
* Ice Cream Pairing: Serve warm Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. The cold ice cream melts into the warm rolls, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
* Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. This is a great option for busy mornings or when you’re entertaining guests.
* Spiced Dough: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for an extra layer of warmth and spice. These subtle additions will enhance the overall flavor of the rolls and make them even more irresistible.

I truly believe that these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls will become a new favorite in your household. They’re the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and fun, and they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing rolls. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

And most importantly, don’t forget to share your creations! Snap a photo of your finished Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, post it on social media, and tag me. I’d love to see your variations and hear about your experience. Happy baking!