Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: A Tasty Twist on a Classic
Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. These rolls combine the nostalgic flavors of apple pie with the soft, fluffy goodness of cinnamon rolls, making them the perfect breakfast treat or the star of any brunch spread. Whether it’s a special occasion or just an ordinary day, these rolls bring joy to your kitchen and delight to your taste buds.
Reasons to Try These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Why should you consider making this dish? For starters, these rolls are super customizable and cater to various tastes. The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and rich caramel makes every bite a delightful experience. They are ideal for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or a cozy weekend breakfast, and who doesn’t love the combination of ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls with the classic appeal of apple pie? As one delighted baker put it:
“These cinnamon rolls are a hug in dessert form! They disappeared in our house faster than I could bake them!”
Preparing Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: Step-by-Step Overview
Creating these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls involves a series of delightful steps that lead to homemade goodness. You’ll start by making the apple filling, then prepare the dough, and finally roll everything together with a delicious cinnamon filling. The process is straightforward and incredibly rewarding!
- Make the Apple Filling: Cook the apples with sugar and spices to create a warm, flavorful filling.
- Dough Preparation: Combine wet ingredients, flour, and yeast, then let it rise.
- Cinnamon Filling Creation: Mix together cinnamon, sugar, and butter.
- Assembling the Rolls: Roll the dough, spread the filling, and layer the apple mixture.
- Baking and Frosting: Bake the rolls, then top them with a decadent cream cheese frosting.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients for your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls:
- 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 allspice
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp water
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted (113 grams)
- 1 cup warm milk (240 mL, 115℉)
- 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)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (52 grams)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (55 grams)
- 1/8 tsp salt, along with additional spices as desired
- Additional ingredients for filling and frosting
Feel free to swap out granny smith apples for a sweeter option or use a different type of flour if desired.
Detailed Directions
To bring your apple pie cinnamon rolls to life, follow these steps:
- Make the Apple Filling: In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine apples with butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, and spices. Cook for around 8–10 minutes, stirring gently until the apples soften. If the mixture looks too dry, add a little cider or water. If it isn’t thick enough, mix cornstarch with water and add that, cooking for just 30–60 seconds until thickened.
- Make the Dough: In your stand mixer, add melted butter, warm milk, beaten eggs, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk until combined, then mix in flour, kneading until smooth. Let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Topping: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 12-16 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: Combine all filling ingredients until creamy and thick.
- Assemble the Rolls: After dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly, then top with the apple mixture. Cut into strips and roll into cinnamon rolls, placing them in a greased baking dish over the apple cider caramel sauce.
- Final Rise and Bake: Allow rolls to rise for another 30-40 minutes. Pour heavy cream over the rolls and bake for 40-46 minutes, until golden brown.
- Frost and Serve: Make the frosting and spread over warm rolls. Add apple topping and a sprinkle of crisp. Enjoy while warm!
Creative Ways to Serve Your Rolls
As you serve your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a pop of elegance. Pair them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, spiced cider, or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. These rolls shine at brunch buffets or as a sweet afternoon snack.
Keeping Your Rolls Fresh
To store your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, place them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for 2–3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them before frosting, allowing them to thaw naturally and then baking them briefly before enjoying.
Useful Tips for Success
- Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour slowly; if too dry, add a splash of milk.
- Apple Variations: Experiment with different apple varieties for varied sweetness and flavor.
- Time Savers: Prepare the apple filling ahead of time and refrigerate for up to three days to streamline the process.
Variations Worth Trying
For a unique twist, try incorporating chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the filling. You can also experiment with different spices such as cardamom or ginger for an added warmth. If you want to make these rolls more decadent, drizzling them with caramel sauce before serving could be delightful!
Common Questions
- What type of apples are best for baking? Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are both excellent choices for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking and refrigerate them overnight. Just let them rise again before baking.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep the rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or oven.
With these tips, you’re ready to make your own delightful Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls! Happy baking!
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine apples with butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, and spices. Cook for around 8–10 minutes, stirring gently until the apples soften.
- If the mixture looks too dry, add a little cider or water. If it isn’t thick enough, mix cornstarch with water and add that, cooking for just 30–60 seconds until thickened.
- In your stand mixer, add melted butter, warm milk, beaten eggs, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk until combined, then mix in flour, kneading until smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 12-16 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Combine all filling ingredients until creamy and thick.
- After dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly, then top with the apple mixture.
- Cut into strips and roll into cinnamon rolls, placing them in a greased baking dish over the apple cider caramel sauce.
- Allow rolls to rise for another 30-40 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream over the rolls and bake for 40-46 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the frosting and spread over warm rolls. Add apple topping and a sprinkle of crisp. Enjoy while warm!
