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Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Cozy and irresistible Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling combine the warm spice of cinnamon with the sweet, tender flavor of apples. Soft, pillowy dough envelops a luscious apple pie filling, baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are a nostalgic comfort food favorite with an easy-to-make recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

Apple Pie Filling Ingredients

  • 3 cups apples, peeled and diced (firm, tart varieties recommended)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins & Variations

  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (for nutty twist)
  • Pinch of nutmeg or cardamom (for spiced upgrade)
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free
  • Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs for vegan version
  • Caramel sauce in place of glaze for caramel drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a warm bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk and let it activate until foamy, about 5-7 minutes. Mix in granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
  2. Make the Apple Pie Filling: While the dough rises, combine diced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely to prevent soggy rolls.
  3. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Optionally, sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar. Evenly spread the cooled apple pie filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Form the Rolls and Bake: Starting from one of the longer edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving space between each for expansion. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
  5. Glaze and Serve: Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls, allowing it to seep into every crevice. Serve warm for an ultimate gooey and flavorful experience.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Cool apple filling completely before spreading to prevent soggy dough.
  • Use dental floss or a very sharp knife for clean slices.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking pan to allow rolls to puff properly.
  • Apply glaze when rolls are warm, not hot, to avoid melting it off.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, apple pie filling, cinnamon roll recipe, apple cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls