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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

When you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts comforting and indulgent, Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls hit the sweet spot. These delightful rolls merge the rich flavors of cinnamon and sugar with the juicy goodness of apples, all nestled in a soft and fluffy dough. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and crunchy streusel, they are perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a celebratory gathering.

Why Make This Recipe

Heavenly Flavor Combination: The marriage of classic apple pie and cinnamon roll flavors creates a uniquely delectable dessert that appeals to everyone.
Impressive Yet Simple: With a bit of time and love, you can impress your family and friends with these bakery-worthy rolls made right in your kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or a weekend brunch, these rolls are sure to be a hit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls at home is an adventure that anyone can embark upon with just a little guidance. Below, we’ve broken down the process into clear, manageable steps for you to follow.

Ingredients

To create your own batch of these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, you will need the following 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 allspice
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp corn starch
2 tsp water

For the Dough:

1/2 cup salted butter, melted (113 grams)
1 cup warm milk, 115°F (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:

1/2 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:

3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed (165 grams)
2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp boiled apple cider
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp heavy cream

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
2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream

Directions

1. Make the Apple Filling & Topping:
Start by adding all apple filling ingredients to a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring lazily until the apples reach your desired tenderness. If the liquid starts to dry out, don’t forget to add a splash of cider or water. If the filling isn’t thickening as you’d like, mix 2 tsp of cornstarch with 2 tsp of water, then stir into the apple filling over medium heat until the juices thicken. This can be done up to three days ahead and stored in a jar in the fridge.

2. Make the Dough & First Rise:
In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the melted butter, warm milk, beaten eggs, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk it all together. Then switch to the paddle attachment and gradually add the flour. Mix on low speed just until the flour disappears. Let it rest for 5 minutes. After resting, switch to the dough hook and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smoother and elastic, though it may still seem a bit slack. Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled, roughly 1 hour.

3. Make the Crisp Topping:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut the cold butter into chunks and mix with the dry ingredients until crumbly. Spread this mixture onto the prepared pan and bake for 12-16 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning.

4. Make the Apple Cider Caramel Sauce:
In a medium bowl, beat together all ingredients for the sauce until well combined. Spread this thick mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch pan that has been sprayed with nonstick spray.

5. Make the Cinnamon Filling:
In a separate medium bowl, combine all filling ingredients and beat until well mixed. You’ll find you have a thick, creamy mixture.

6. Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, generously flour your counter and roll the dough into a rectangle about 14 inches by 22 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a little space at the edges. Distribute 1 and 1/2 cups of the apple filling over the cinnamon filling. Cut the dough into strips that are about 1 and 3/4 inches thick and roll each strip into a roll. Place these rolls into the prepared pan on top of the caramel sauce. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for about 30-40 minutes.

7. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F while the rolls are rising. Once they are ready, pour the heavy cream over them and bake for 40-46 minutes until they’re golden brown and the centers look set.

8. Make the Frosting:
While your rolls are baking, beat together all frosting ingredients until combined and creamy. Adjust the milk or cream to achieve your desired thickness.

9. Serve + Store:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, frost them while warm, topping each with a spoonful of the apple filling and some crunchy streusel. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated gently as needed.

Storage Tips for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

To keep your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage guidelines:

Refrigerate: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted rolls in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat: To reheat, microwave individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

There are numerous delightful ways to present and serve your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. Here are a few suggestions:

Warm and Fresh: Serve them warm straight from the oven, topped with a generous scoop of frosting.
With Ice Cream: Pair them with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Breakfast Treat: Enjoy them as a special breakfast item with fresh fruit or maple syrup drizzled over the top.

Tips to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
Don’t Skip the Heavy Cream: Pouring heavy cream over the rolls before baking keeps them moist and adds richness.
Experiment with Tastes: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking, adding more cinnamon or a hint of ginger for an extra kick.

Variations

If you want to mix things up, consider trying these variations:

Nutty Addition: Stir in some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the apple filling or sprinkle them over the top before baking.
Fruity Twists: Add dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins, to the cinnamon filling for an unexpected flavor and texture addition.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, then refrigerate it. The next day, allow it to come to room temperature before continuing with the filling and baking.

Q: What type of apples are best for this recipe?
A: A combination of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji, works best for a balanced flavor.

Q: Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the rolls after assembling them but before baking. Just make sure to defrost and let them rise before baking.

Enjoy the process of making these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, and make sure to savor every delicious bite — they truly are a homemade indulgence at its finest!