Description
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a cozy fusion of two beloved desserts—soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls and spiced apple pie filling, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for filling)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to achieve desired consistency)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour one cup at a time, mixing until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
- While dough rises, prepare the filling. In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples are tender. Let cool.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 15×10 inch rectangle. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side. Pinch the seam to seal, then slice into 12 even pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add vanilla and powdered sugar gradually, mixing until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Drizzle the frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for best flavor.
- Add chopped nuts, raisins, or cranberries for extra texture.
- Make sure yeast is fresh and active for proper dough rise.
- Rolls are best enjoyed warm with the frosting slightly melted.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: apple pie cinnamon rolls, fall dessert, cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting, homemade rolls, spiced apple rolls