Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are the most irresistible fall treat! These rolls combine the warm flavors of apple pie with gooey cinnamon goodness, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a festive holiday brunch, these soft rolls topped with cream cheese frosting will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and spicy blend of apples and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a breakfast item, dessert, or snack; enjoy them warm straight from the oven or reheated.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling and dough in advance for a quick and easy morning treat.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for gatherings, these rolls are sure to impress friends and family alike.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like nuts or extra spices to make them uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, having the right tools makes all the difference. Below are some essential items you’ll need to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Baking pan (9×13)
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough effortless, ensuring a perfectly elastic texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess and keeping your workspace organized.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness when rolling out the dough for uniform baking.
• Baking pan: Provides the perfect space for your rolls to rise and bake evenly.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 7 large apples, peeled & diced
• 1/4 cup salted butter (56 grams)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (110 grams)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon (6 grams)
• 1 tsp nutmeg (3 grams)
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp allspices
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp corn starch
• 2 tsp water

For the Dough

• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted, 115℉ (113 grams)
• 1 cup warm milk, 115℉ (240 mL)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten and at room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (70 grams)
• 2 and 1/2 tsp instant yeast (9 grams)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 4 cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed out (528 grams)

For the Crisp Topping

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed out (33 grams)
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (52 grams)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (55 grams)
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup salted butter, cold (56 grams)

For the Cinnamon Filling

• 1/2 cup salted butter, very softened
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed (165 grams)
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp boiled apple cider
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened (170 grams)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (115 grams)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• (Optional) 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling & Topping

Add all apple filling ingredients to a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until desired tenderness is reached. If needed, add a splash more cider or water during cooking to keep it saucy. Once tender, thicken by stirring together cornstarch and water until dissolved; add to apple filling over medium heat and cook while stirring for another 30–60 seconds.

Step 2: Make the Dough & First Rise

In your stand mixer bowl, add melted butter, warm milk, beaten eggs, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk together. Switch to paddle attachment and add flour; mix on low speed until just combined. Let it rest for 5 minutes before adding dough hook. Knead on low speed for about 5–7 minutes until smooth but still slightly slack. Place in a greased bowl to rise for about 1 hour until doubled.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut cold butter into chunks; mix into dry ingredients until crumbly. Spread evenly on prepared sheet pan; bake for about 12–16 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Apple Cider Caramel Sauce

Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl until well mixed. Spray a baking pan with nonstick spray; spread this thick mixture evenly in the bottom.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Filling

Beat together all filling ingredients in a bowl on medium-high speed until creamy and combined.

Step 6: Assemble the Rolls

After dough has risen for about an hour, flour your counter generously. Roll out dough into approximately 14×24 inches. Spread cinnamon filling evenly across dough then top with apple filling.

Step 7: Slice and Shape Rolls

Cut strips from long side of dough about 1¾ inches thick; roll each strip tightly into rolls. Place in prepared pan over caramel sauce. Cover loosely with kitchen towel; let rise again for about 30–40 minutes.

Step 8: Bake

Pour room temperature heavy cream over rolls before baking at 350℉ for about 40–46 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

Beat all frosting ingredients in a mixing bowl until creamy; adjust consistency with milk if desired.

Step 10: Serve + Store

Frost warm rolls immediately after baking; top each with apple topping and crumble sprinkle. Enjoy fresh! Store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge for up to three days—great reheated!

How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Warm with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Drizzle the rolls with the creamy frosting immediately after baking for a warm, gooey treat.

Topped with Extra Apple Filling

• Add a generous scoop of apple pie filling on top to enhance the apple flavor and add a delicious texture.

Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm rolls alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between hot and cold.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness to each roll.

Served on a Festive Platter

• Arrange the cinnamon rolls on a decorative platter for an inviting presentation at gatherings or brunches.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top the rolls with freshly whipped cream for an airy and sweet complement to the rich flavors.

How to Perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Creating the perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh apples: Fresh apples will provide better flavor and texture compared to older ones, ensuring your filling is juicy and delicious.

• Let dough rise properly: Make sure to allow enough time for the dough to rise until it doubles in size; this ensures soft and fluffy rolls.

• Warm ingredients: Use warm milk and eggs at room temperature to help activate the yeast effectively for better dough rise.

• Don’t skip the frosting: The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds essential creaminess and sweetness, making each bite even more indulgent.

• Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to tweak the cinnamon and nutmeg amounts based on your preference for spiciness in your rolls.

• Store correctly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, gently reheating them before serving for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Pairing side dishes with Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some delectable options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the rolls.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a nutritious option that complements the sweetness of the rolls.

3. Sausage Links: Savory sausage links add protein and balance out the sweet flavors of the cinnamon rolls, making it a hearty brunch option.

4. Hash Brown Casserole: This cheesy potato dish is hearty and pairs well by providing a savory contrast.

5. Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs offer protein and help create a balanced breakfast plate when served alongside sweet rolls.

6. Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Brewed coffee with a hint of cinnamon matches perfectly with Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, enhancing their flavors beautifully.

7. Maple Syrup-Glazed Bacon (Turkey Bacon Alternative): This adds crunchiness while maintaining sweetness, creating a delightful combination with each bite of roll.

8. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: For an added fall touch, serve these muffins alongside your rolls for an autumnal theme that’s sure to please!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls can be tricky. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the Dough Rise: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for achieving fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step; let it double in size for the best texture.
• Overfilling the Rolls: It can be tempting to add more apple filling, but overfilling leads to messy rolls that don’t hold together. Stick to the recommended amount for a neat finish.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science! Using incorrect measurements can affect the texture and flavor. Invest in a kitchen scale for precision.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated properly. Baking at the wrong temperature can result in unevenly cooked rolls. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Frosting Too Soon: Frosting warm rolls may cause the icing to melt away. Wait until they have cooled slightly before applying frosting for a beautiful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place rolls on a baking sheet, and cover with foil. Bake for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one roll at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds, depending on your microwave’s power.
• Stovetop: Place rolls in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls.

Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?

Yes, using store-bought apple pie filling can save time. Just make sure it’s well-suited to your taste preferences.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and hold an indent when poked with your finger. This indicates it’s ready for the next step.

Can I customize the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in nuts, raisins, or other spices that you love alongside the apple filling.

What if my cinnamon rolls become too dry?

If your rolls turn out dry, ensure you’re measuring your flour accurately and not overbaking them. Adding a drizzle of cream or sauce before serving can help moisten them again.

How long does it take to make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?

The total time from start to finish is around 2 hours including prep and baking time, but much of that involves waiting during rises.

Final Thoughts

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of flavors that capture the essence of fall. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings and toppings according to your taste. Try making them this season—they’re perfect for breakfast or brunch!