Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Why Make This Recipe

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie with the delightful twist of soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. The warm apple filling and creamy icing make these rolls irresistible. Plus, making them from scratch adds a special touch to any gathering or quiet morning at home.

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup apple cider or juice (if cider is not available)
• One package of instant rise yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (divided)
• ¼ cup butter (unsalted, room temperature)
• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt (table)
• 3 cups Granny Smith apples (finely chopped)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons butter (unsalted, room temperature)
• 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and apple cider to 110 degrees over medium-low heat. Pour this mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer with the hook attachment.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and the yeast package. Let it sit until the mixture starts to foam, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the remaining sugar, softened butter, and egg. Mix at low speed for about 1 minute.
4. Add the flour and salt to the mixture. Mix until the dough comes together, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Knead the dough for another 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticking to the sides of the bowl. If too sticky, add one teaspoon of flour.
6. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 ½ to 2 hours, depending on the weather.
7. Grease the bottom of a large cast iron pan or a 9×13 baking dish.
8. Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a ½” thick rectangle, about 12” x 18”.
9. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped apple in a small bowl, and set aside.
10. Spread softened butter over the dough. Top it with the apple sugar mixture, leaving some space along the long edge to start the roll.
11. Roll up the dough tightly and cut it into 12 pieces.
12. Arrange the rolls in the greased skillet or baking dish. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for about 30 minutes.
13. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees while the dough is rising.
14. Bake for 28-30 minutes until they are lightly browned on top.
15. While baking, mix the icing by whisking butter and cream cheese until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add milk and vanilla, then slowly add powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
16. Let the cinnamon rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread icing over the rolls and serve warm.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

These delightful rolls are best served warm. You can drizzle extra icing on top for an added sweetness or serve them with a side of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert twist. They are great on their own or can be paired with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.

How to Store Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

To store leftover rolls, let them cool completely at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Tips to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

• Make sure your milk and cider are at the right temperature to activate the yeast properly.
• If you don’t have Granny Smith apples, any tart apples will work well.
• For an extra touch, you can add walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Always knead the dough enough for a nice, soft consistency.

Variation

You can change the apple filling by adding different fruits like pears or berries. Additionally, try different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to give your rolls a unique flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour; however, it may make the rolls denser. You might want to mix it with some all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out.

3. What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead. Just make sure to activate it first by mixing it with warm milk and sugar before adding it to your dough.