A warm kitchen filled with the aroma of freshly baked Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls is like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Imagine biting into soft, fluffy rolls filled with spiced apples and topped with a drizzle of sweet icing—pure bliss! Whether it’s a Sunday brunch or just a Tuesday that needs some sweetness, these treats will make any occasion feel special.
As I rolled out the dough for these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls for the first time, I couldn’t help but think back to my grandmother’s kitchen. The laughter and warmth we shared over her famous apple pie inspired this twist on her classic recipe. Now it’s your turn to create those delicious memories!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine two beloved desserts into one delightful treat
- They are easy to prepare and will impress family and friends with their delicious flavor
- Each roll looks as good as it tastes with its golden-brown finish and mouthwatering aroma
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch or a sweet evening snack!
Baking these rolls always brings smiles from my family; they can’t resist their gooey goodness.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for the best texture; it helps create that fluffy roll consistency.
- Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh; this is vital for those rolls to rise perfectly.
- Granulated Sugar: A bit sweetens the dough and filling while enhancing flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances all flavors perfectly in the rolls.
- Milk: Use whole milk for richness; it adds moisture to the dough.
- Butter: Melted butter gives the dough flavor; you can’t have too much buttery goodness!
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings warmth and that classic cinnamon roll flavor in every bite.
- Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith; they add tartness that complements sweetness perfectly.
- Brown Sugar: For extra caramel-like depth in both filling and topping.
- Icing Sugar: Use this for drizzle on top; it adds sweetness and visual appeal!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix until well combined. Heat milk until warm (not hot) then stir in melted butter before adding this mixture to dry ingredients.
Knead and Rise: Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 5–7 minutes). Place dough in an oiled bowl covered with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm area until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
Make the Filling: While waiting for dough to rise, peel and slice apples into thin pieces. In a bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together before tossing apples into this sugary goodness.
Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread melted butter evenly over the surface before sprinkling cinnamon-sugar mixture followed by prepared apples.
Shape Your Rolls: Starting from one long side of the rectangle, tightly roll up dough into a log shape. Cut into 12 equal pieces using dental floss or sharp knife—this keeps them neat without squishing!
Bake Them Up!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange cut rolls in greased baking dish or lined pan; cover again for 30 minutes while oven heats up. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Drizzle with Icing: While cooling slightly, whisk icing sugar with milk until smooth enough to drizzle generously over warm rolls. Get ready for everyone’s smiles!
Enjoy these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls straight from the oven or at room temperature—they disappear quickly!
These delightful treats are sure to become your family’s new favorite!
You Must Know
- These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of fluffy dough and sweet apple filling
- The aroma fills your kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere
- Not only are they delicious, but they also make for impressive breakfast treats or dessert options!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough while the filling simmers on the stove. This ensures everything is fresh and warm when you’re ready to bake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out apples for pears, or add nuts and raisins for extra texture and flavor. Customize to your heart’s content!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor
- Don’t rush the rising process; it makes all the difference in texture
- Glaze generously after baking for a beautiful finish that tastes as good as it looks!
The first time I made Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, my family devoured them within minutes! Their smiles were worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough can save time while still resulting in delicious rolls.
How do I know when they are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown color on top and listen for a slight hollow sound when tapped.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a bag once solid for later baking.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of fluffy cinnamon rolls and spiced apple pie filling, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup icing sugar (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Warm the milk slightly, stir in melted butter, then combine with dry ingredients.
- Knead and Rise: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 5–7 minutes). Place in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Make the Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Toss sliced apples in this mixture.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down risen dough and roll into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread melted butter over it and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture; top with prepared apples.
- Shape Your Rolls: Roll tightly from one side into a log shape and cut into 12 pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.
- Bake Them Up: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish; cover for another 30 minutes while preheating. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Drizzle with Icing: Once baked, whisk icing sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle generously over warm rolls.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for enhanced flavor.
- For added texture, consider including nuts or raisins in the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg