Irresistible Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: A Cozy Fall Dessert Recipe

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Imagine the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and freshly baked dough wafting through your kitchen. These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the nostalgic flavors of a classic apple pie with the gooey, indulgent texture of homemade cinnamon rolls. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this dessert is perfect for cozy fall mornings, holiday brunches, or any time you want to treat your loved ones to something special. In this detailed recipe, I’ll guide you through every step to create these mouthwatering rolls, plus share tips, tricks, and variations to make them your own.

Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per roll

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Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts: cinnamon rolls and apple pie. The dough is soft and pillowy, the filling is bursting with spiced apple goodness, and the frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable yet impressive. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon snack. The combination of warm spices, tender apples, and rich frosting makes this a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

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Ingredients for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

To make these delectable rolls, you’ll need ingredients for the dough, apple pie filling, cinnamon filling, and cream cheese frosting. I’ve included notes on substitutions to help you customize the recipe.

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (or one standard packet; ensure it’s fresh for best results)
• 1 cup warm milk (heated to 110°F/45°C; too hot will kill the yeast)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness and feeds the yeast)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for rich flavor)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (enhances the dough’s aroma)
• 2 large eggs (for structure and tenderness)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
• 1 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well; peeled, cored, and finely diced)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark for caramel-like sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warm, cozy flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds depth; freshly grated is best)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking the apples)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for a rich, molasses-like sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (adjust to taste for extra spice)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (to spread over the dough)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat for best texture)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted for smoothness)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for richness)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for flavor)
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (to achieve your desired frosting consistency)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. I’ve included extra tips to ensure success, even if it’s your first time baking yeast dough.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F/45°C) with the granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired, or the milk may have been too hot—start over for best results.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with softened butter, vanilla extract, eggs, flour, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but smooth.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it’s elastic and springs back when poked. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 4 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. (Tip: If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in an oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop.)

Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling

1. Cook the Apples: In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to coat the apples and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the apples are soft and fragrant. The mixture should smell like a warm apple pie!
2. Thicken the Filling: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the apples and stir to combine. This will thicken the juices, preventing a soggy filling. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool completely. (Tip: Prepare this filling while the dough rises to save time.)

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

1. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir until well blended. This simple mixture will create the classic cinnamon roll flavor we all love. Keep the softened butter separate for spreading.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches and ¼-inch thick. Use a rolling pin to ensure even thickness.
2. Spread the Fillings: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter, pressing it gently to adhere. Next, spoon the cooled apple pie filling evenly over the cinnamon layer.
3. Roll the Dough: Starting with the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. For clean slices, use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
4. Arrange in Pan: Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. They should be snug but not overcrowded. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The center should feel set, and the rolls should sound hollow when tapped. If they brown too quickly, cover with foil during the last 5 minutes.
3. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the pan for 10 minutes before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting off.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Mix the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, to achieve a spreadable consistency.
2. Frost the Rolls: Spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls, letting it melt slightly into the crevices for extra decadence.

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Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

• Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast to the sweet filling, while Honeycrisp or Fuji provide a sweeter, juicier bite. Mix varieties for a balanced flavor.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before by assembling them up to the second rise. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for 30-45 minutes before baking.
• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore their softness.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise. Place in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. Baked rolls can also be frozen; frost after reheating.

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Variations to Try

• Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for extra texture.
• Caramel Apple Rolls: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosted rolls for a decadent twist.
• Spiced Glaze: Replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, apple cider, and a pinch of cinnamon.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Vegan Rolls: Substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) for the dough. Use vegan cream cheese for the frosting.

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Serving Suggestions

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a showstopper on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your presentation:

• Brunch Spread: Serve with a side of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and coffee for a cozy brunch.
• Holiday Dessert: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a festive dessert.
• Gift Idea: Package the rolls in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.

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FAQs About Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used without activating it in milk. Simply mix it with the flour and other ingredients, but reduce the rising time slightly.

How do I know when the rolls are done?
The rolls should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of about 190°F (88°C). A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I make smaller rolls?
For mini rolls, cut the dough log into 18-24 pieces and bake in a larger pan or two 8-inch round pans. Reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes.

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Final Thoughts

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a dessert—they’re a labor of love that brings warmth and joy to any table. The soft, fluffy dough, spiced apple filling, and creamy frosting create a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it out, experiment with the variations, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!

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