Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling
Published Oct 20, 2024
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Here is a mouth-watering twist to my Cinnamon Roll recipe: Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling! Soft, pillowy dough meets an irresistible cinnamon apple filling with a cream cheese frosting atop that perfectly balances sweet and tangy!
These homemade cinnamon rolls might take a bit of time to make, but they are so worth it! Plus this is an easy approachable recipe that anyone can make, including you!
Classic cinnamon rolls meet apple pie in this apple pie cinnamon rolls recipe. It is the perfect breakfast to make a memorable Christmas morning!
If you love cinnamon rolls like I do, check out my Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls.
Table of Contents
- The Best Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling
- Apple Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
- Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling Recipe Variations
- How to Make Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling
- Step 1: Proof the Yeast
- Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Step 4: Make the Apple Pie Filling
- Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
- Step 6: Second Rise
- Step 7: Bake
- Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Step 9: Frost the Rolls
- Step 10: Serve
- Expert Tips
- What To Serve With Cinnamon Apple Pie Rolls
- More Baking Recipes
- More Dessert Recipes
- Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling Recipe
The Best Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling
Who doesn’t love the warm, sweet aroma of pillowy cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven? One of the reasons I love baking is because of the smell that fills the house. Better than any candle I have ever burned!
Now imagine that cinnamon roll taken to the next level with a luscious apple pie filling. It’s like having apple pie wrapped in a soft sweet cinnamon roll. So good, so soul-satisfying!
The apples add a fruity sweetness to the rolls, adding another dimension of flavor. Then there’s the cream cheese frosting. It’s rich, tangy, and creamy and melts into the rolls, creating ultra-decadent deliciousness.
Whether for a special breakfast, a comforting dessert, a holiday treat, or for sharing with family and friends, these Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling will quickly become a favorite!
Apple Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
You need simple ingredients for these extraordinary apple cinnamon rolls. Here is everything you will need:
Here are some notes on key ingredients:
- Whole Milk: Milk adds richness and moisture to the dough, making it soft and tender. Whole milk is ideal for this recipe because its higher fat content helps create a soft, fluffy texture in the cinnamon rolls. You can substitute it with 2% milk, but avoid using skim milk, as it lacks the fat needed for the best soft texture.
- Instant or Active Dry Yeast: Yeast is the leavening agent that makes the dough rise. It ferments the sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide and creating air pockets that result in a light, airy texture. Make sure the yeast is active by proofing it in warm milk before adding other ingredients. Using expired or inactive yeast will prevent the dough from rising properly.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter plays multiple roles in this recipe—it enriches the dough, creates a buttery filling, and is a key component in the frosting. I highly recommend Kerry Gold butter for its rich flavor, but any high-quality unsalted butter will work. The butter createss a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and enhances the flavor of the rolls.
- Fresh Apples: Fresh apples are the star of the filling, providing natural fruity sweetness. Choose apples that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter profile. The apples balance the warmth of the cinnamon and the sweetness of the sugar, creating the perfect filling for the rolls.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the base of the frosting, adding a rich, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the rolls. The frosting is smooth and creamy, and when spread over warm rolls, it melts into the nooks and crannies, making each bite decadent. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth consistency.
For the full list of ingredients with measurements, check out the recipe card below.
Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling Recipe Variations
You can prepare cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling with a few adjustments, depending on your taste or the ingredients you have on hand. Try these ideas:
- Nutty Rolls: Toss chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for added crunch and nuttiness, which pairs well with cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling.
- Vanilla Glaze: Instead of cream cheese frosting, you can use a vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract.
- Caramel Apple Rolls: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the frosting to add an extra layer of flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Rolls: For a more complex, spiced flavor, try swapping the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or adding a pinch of nutmeg and cloves to the filling.
- Lemon Juice: Add some freshly squeezed lemon juice to the apple pie filling if you would love some tangy fresh flavor from the lemon.
If you love apple recipes, also check out my Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake Recipe.
You can prepare the apple pie filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge until needed to fill the rolls.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling
Here is how to make Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling:
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
Start by warming your milk until it’s about 110°F–115°F, which is the ideal temperature to activate the yeast. Pour the milk into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer and add the yeast and one tablespoon of sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active when it forms a foamy layer on top of the milk.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once the yeast is proofed, add the remaining sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, egg, salt, and flour. If you’re using a stand mixer, fit the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for 2–3 minutes. If kneading by hand, knead on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add softened butter and knead until it is fully incorporated into the dough.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a buttered bowl, turning it to coat all sides with butter. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. To speed up the process, place it in the oven with the light on (but the oven turned off).
Step 4: Make the Apple Pie Filling
While the dough rises, cook the apple filling. In a pot, melt the butter and add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and diced apples. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften but still retain some bite. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent sticking. Once done, transfer the filling to the fridge to cool down.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove excess air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 10×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Roll the dough into a log and cut it into 12 equal portions. (Note: The pictures show half of the recipe being made, showing 6 rolls instead of 12.)
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the cinnamon roll pieces into a 9×13-inch casserole dish rubbed with butter. If you make half of the recipe, you’ll need a smaller baking dish for 6 rolls. Cover again and let them rise for another 30 minutes until they double in size.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until they are golden brown and the edges are firm but the inside is soft. Check them around the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls bake, whip up the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Use an electric mixer, stand mixer, or a whisk.
Step 9: Frost the Rolls
As soon as the apple cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, spread the cream cheese frosting on top. The warmth of the rolls will slightly melt the frosting, allowing it to seep into the dough for extra flavor.
Step 10: Serve
Serve the cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling warm, and enjoy all the flavors in this amazing dessert. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Love the flavor of cinnamon? Also, check out my amazing Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites.
To create a richer flavor, you could add different types of apples to the filling. For example, combine the sharp flavor of the granny smith apples and the sweetness of the honey crisp apples. This mix will add a richer and tastier apple taste to your cinnamon rolls, taking them to a whole new level!
Expert Tips
- Dough Consistency: The cinnamon roll dough should be slightly sticky when you knead it. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make your rolls tough instead of soft and pillowy.
- A dough scraper is very helpful for scrapping off any dough that gets stuck on the surface.
- Even Slicing: Use flavorless dental floss or a very sharp knife to slice the dough into even cinnamon rolls without squishing them.
- Perfect Rising Spot: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place, like inside your oven with the light turned on. The warmth will speed up the rising process and make sure the dough puffs up nicely.
- Reheating Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat a cinnamon roll in the microwave for about 15 seconds to soften it up.
What To Serve With Cinnamon Apple Pie Rolls
These Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling are best enjoyed warm from the oven with the cream cheese frosting melting into the rolls. A piping hot cup of coffee would make a great companion. You can also serve them alongside the following:
More Baking Recipes
Love baking? Here are some more baking ideas for you.
More Dessert Recipes
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Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Equipment
- Stand Mixer or Bread Machine For mixing dough
Ingredients
Rolls
- 1½ cups whole milk sub with 2% milk
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast or active dry yeast
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar divided
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted Kerrygold brand is highly recommended
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 4¾ cups all-purpose/plain flour plus 1 Tablespoon more for dusting surface
- 1 Tablespoon softened butter for dough
- 2 Tablespoons more softened butter to butter mixing bowl and grease the baking pan
Filling
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar or light brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 apples peeled and diced or 4 cups diced apples
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 8 Tablespoons butter room temperature
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Rolls
- Proof the yeast: Heat the milk in a small pot on medium heat or for about 1 minute in the microwave to be slightly warm. It should be about 110° F – 115℉. Pour the milk into a large mixing bowl (if mixing by hand), the bowl of a stand mixer, or the bowl of a bread machine. Add the yeast and one tablespoon of granulated sugar to the milk. Stir to combine, and let it rest for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, the yeast should form a creamy foam on the surface. This means the yeast is active.1½ cups whole milk, 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast or active dry yeast, 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- Make and knead the dough: To the milk/yeast mixture, add the remaining 2 Tablespoons of granulated sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix everything using a stand mixer (with the dough hook attached and set on low speed), bread machine (set to dough setting), or with your hands to form a dough. Then set the stand mixer to medium speed and continue kneading the dough for 2 minutes. Keep kneading for 2 minutes with the bread machine if that's what you're using. If making the dough by hand, knead the dough on a clean and floured working surface until smooth and elastic while sprinkling on tiny bits of flour as needed. It's okay for the dough to be a little sticky as that will yield soft cinnamon rolls. Add 1 tablespoon of softened butter and keep kneading the dough on medium speed until the butter is incorporated.3 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 Tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt, 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 large egg, 4¾ cups all-purpose/plain flour, 1 Tablespoon softened butter
- Let the dough rise: Butter a large mixing bowl and place the dough inside. You could remove the dough from the bowl of your stand mixer, butter it, and then return it to it. Turn the dough around to ensure the butter coats all the sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and keep it in a warm place to rise until doubled in size. It takes about 1 hour. I love turning on my oven for about 2 minutes and then turning it off. Then, I'll place my dough in the oven to rise. It works perfectly every time! You could also leave the dough in the oven to rise with the oven lights on (the oven should be turned off).2 Tablespoons more softened butter
- Make the apple cinnamon filling: Put the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and diced apples in a medium pot on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook the apples until they soften but still have a little bite. If the apples aren’t soft enough yet but the liquid is drying too much, add a splash of water. Once the apples are done cooking, put them in a bowl and put in the fridge for about 30 minutes or until the mixture is cold and the butter starts to solidify but not rock hard. If you are in a hurry, the freezer can work too. This makes it WAY easier to roll.4 Tablespoons butter, ¼ cup dark brown sugar or light brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon, 4 apples peeled and diced
- Grease pan: While the dough rises, butter a 9 by 13 inch baking dish, making sure you butter all the sides.2 Tablespoons more softened butter
- Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it in the middle to remove excess air. Flour a clean working surface. Place the dough on the floured surface and shape it with your hands into a rectangle. Use a rolling pin to roll out the rectangle further to about 10 by 18 inches.
- Fill the dough, roll it, and divide it into rolls: Spread the cooled apple filling on the dough, making sure it is evenly distributed while leaving a 1-inch border around it. Roll the dough into a log. Trim the ends of the log so the ends look neater (save the trimmed dough to bake later). Using a sharp knife or a dough scraper, cut the log into 12 equal-looking portions,
- Let the rolls rise: Place the 12 portions into the buttered baking dish. Cover them with a clean kitchen cloth and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until they are about double in size. You could use your oven again with the lights turned off to help the rolls rise faster.
- Preheat oven: While the rolls rise, or after they have risen (remove the rolls from the oven if they were rising in the oven), preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Bake: Place the risen rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and the outside of the dough is firm to the touch and not doughy.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: While the rolls bake, place the ingredients for the cream cheese frosting into a medium mixing bowl. Whip them together using an electric handheld mixer at medium speed until they are well combined and smooth. Keep beating the cream cheese frosting until it becomes fluffy and has a whipped consistency. Alternatively, you can use the stand mixer with the whisk attachment fitted. With the stand mixer, start by beating the cream cheese, butter, and sugar at a low speed until combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is whipped.8 oz cream cheese, 8 Tablespoons butter, ⅔ cup powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Frost the cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling: As soon as the cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling are out of the oven, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting on them. Some of the frosting will melt and seep into the rolls, making them even more delicious!
- Serve: Enjoy the cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling while still warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat each apple cinnamon roll in the microwave for 15 seconds or until soft. Or reheat in the oven at 300℉ for 10 minutes or until warmed through. See the freezing instructions below.
Notes
Important Tip: Watch the apple filling carefully to make sure it doesn’t burn
Important Tip: If the middle parts of some rolls rise above the other parts of the rolls while baking, gently push them back in once the rolls are out of the oven before frosting them.
Storing and Reheating Instructions: Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat each roll in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until soft before serving. When reheated in the microwave, the rolls get fluffy again, but be careful not to microwave them for too long, or they will get tough. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 300℉ and let the rolls heat up in the oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Freezing Instructions: To store in the freezer, place the rolls in a freezer-safe bowl with a tight-fitting lid or wrap the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.
