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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

My recipe for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls is one you won’t want to miss. The topping is a combination of Granny Smith apples, vanilla extract, light brown sugar and unsalted butter. The result is worthy of a chef’s kiss! Keep on scrolling to get the full recipe tutorial! Looking for more apple pie flavour? You might want to try this Rustic Apple Tart.

Our recipe for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls is one you won’t want to miss. The topping is a combination of Granny Smith apples, vanilla extract, light brown sugar and unsalted butter. The result is worthy of a chef’s kiss!

Perfect for Your Sweet Tooth!

For those of you with a huge sweet tooth: this dessert is definitely made for you! With my Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, not only do you get the amazing taste of a classic cinnamon roll, but you also get to enjoy the flavor elements of apple pie filling.

Made with simple ingredients, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. And, they’re made completely from scratch, so you know they’re going to be good.

Not sure that you have time to make cinnamon rolls? Check out my Snickerdoodle Apple Cobbler Recipe, Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats, or my Cream Cheese Apple Enchiladas instead. All the cinnamon apple goodness in a different form! Not into apples today and want to try a different kind of Cinnamon Rolls? Check out my Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls, Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls or these air fryer cinnamon rolls. Yum!

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy some of the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever had. Bon appetit!

Our recipe for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls is one you won’t want to miss. The topping is a combination of Granny Smith apples, vanilla extract, light brown sugar and unsalted butter. The result is worthy of a chef’s kiss!

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?

To whip up a batch of these very special Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, you will need the following:

  • Milk
  • Instant yeast
  • Eggs
  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Flour
  • Light brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Freeze-dried cinnamon apples
  • Heavy cream
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Granny Smith apples
Ingredients in glass bowls and measuring cups to make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

How To Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

I know cinnamon rolls can be intimidating to make, but my step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process. Keep on reading to get the full scoop:

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Rolls

  • 1 cup warm milk, warm to the touch not hot
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 2 large eggs, brought to room temperature
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided

Ingredients for the Filling

Ingredients for the Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients for the Topping

  • 1 green granny smith apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Ingredients in glass bowls and measuring cups to make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Instructions

To start, add yeast and warm milk to the bowl of a stand mixer.

Yeast and milk in a glass bowl

Add eggs, melted butter and sugar to the yeast mixture. Whisk together or use the paddle attachment to combine.

Once everything is combined, add 4 cups of flour and salt. Use the paddled attachment to incorporate all ingredients together.

Let the dough sit for five minutes so the flour can absorb the liquid.

Change the handle from the paddle to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.

The dough will still stick to the sides of the bowl, but should still hold shape. If it does not add in the remaining 1/2 cup of flour.

Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Add the dough to it and cover with a cloth.

Allow to rise in a warm place for 35-40 mins (or until the dough ball has doubled in size)

While the dough is rising, make the filling. Add all the ingredients for the filling to a small bowl and mix well together. You may crush the freeze-dried fruit in a food processor, if desired.

Freeze dried apples as a part of our Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll recipe

Once the dough is ready, turn it out on a lightly floured surface.

Rolling out dough on a lightly floured surface

Roll the dough to a 24” x 15″ rectangle.

Drop dollops of the filling all over the dough, then spread evenly.

Starting on the long end, roll the dough up tightly, jelly-roll style.

Cut into 12 slices and place into a greased pan.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Cover the pan and allow the apple pie cinnamon rolls to rise for 20 minutes or until nearly double.

Pour the 1/2 cup heavy cream over the rolls right before baking.

Bake for 20-25 mins until the rolls are lightly golden brown and the center is cooked through.

While the cinnamon rolls bake, prepare the frosting and apple pie topping.

Mixing apple mixture for apple pie topping

In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat until combined. Set aside – this will serve as the homemade frosting.

For the topping, in a small saucepan add butter, apples, brown sugar, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

Once all the sugar is completely melted, pour the apple pie topping into a bowl and let cool.

Remove the rolls from the oven. Top with cream cheese allowing it to melt over the top. Add apple pie filling, serve and enjoy warm!

Notes:

If the dough does not double in size by the 40 min mark, place it in a warmer space for 10 additional min. If it is still not rising, your yeast is not activated and the dough should be discarded.

An option for rising dough is to turn on the oven and place the bowl on the stove top back burner to allow the dough to rise.

Our recipe for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls is one you won’t want to miss. The topping is a combination of Granny Smith apples, vanilla extract, light brown sugar and unsalted butter. The result is worthy of a chef’s kiss!
Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Elevate your next batch of cinnamon rolls with a delicious apple topping. Not only do you get the deliciousness of a classic cinnamon roll, but you also get to enjoy the flavor elements of apple pie filling.

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Cinnamon Rolls

  • 1 cup warm milk, warm to the touch not hot
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 2 large eggs, brought to room temperature
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided

Ingredients for the Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 (1.25 oz) packet freeze-dried cinnamon apple slices crushed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed (reserved for after 2nd rising)

Ingredients for the Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients for the Topping

  • 1 green granny smith apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. To start, add yeast and warm milk to the bowl of a stand mixer.
  2. Add eggs, melted butter and sugar to the yeast mixture. Whisk together or use the paddle attachment to combine.
  3. Once everything is combined, add 4 cups of flour and salt. Use the paddled attachment to incorporate all ingredients together.
  4. Let the dough sit for five minutes so the flour can absorb the liquid.
  5. Change the handle from the paddle to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
  6. The dough will still stick to the sides of the bowl, but should still hold shape. If it does not add in the remaining 1/2 cup of flour.
  7. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Add the dough to it and cover with a cloth.
  8. Allow to rise in a warm place for 35-40 mins (or until doubled in size)
  9. While the dough is rising, make the filling. Add all the ingredients for the filling to a small bowl and mix well together. You may crush the freeze-dried fruit in a food processor, if desired.
  10. Once the dough is ready, turn it out on a lightly floured surface.
  11. Roll the dough to a 24” x 15" rectangle.
  12. Drop dollops of the filling all over the dough, then spread evenly.
  13. Starting on the long end, roll the dough up tightly, jelly-roll style.
  14. Cut into 12 slices and place into a greased pan.
  15. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  16. Cover the pan and allow the apple pie cinnamon rolls to rise for 20 minutes or until nearly double.
  17. Pour the 1/2 cup heavy cream over the rolls right before baking.
  18. Bake for 20-25 mins until the rolls are lightly golden brown and the center is cooked through.
  19. While the cinnamon rolls bake, prepare the frosting and apple pie topping.
  20. In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat until combined. Set aside - this will serve as the homemade frosting.
  21. For the topping, in a small saucepan add butter, apples, brown sugar, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
  22. Once all the sugar is completely melted, pour it into a bowl and let cool.
  23. Remove the rolls from the oven. Top with cream cheese allowing it to melt over the top. Add apple pie filling, serve and enjoy warm!

Notes

If the dough does not double in size by the 40 min mark, place it in a warmer space for 10 additional min. If it is still not rising, your yeast is not activated and the dough should be discarded.

An option for rising dough is to turn on the oven and place the bowl on the back burner to allow the dough to rise.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 623Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 270mgCarbohydrates: 87gFiber: 3gSugar: 49gProtein: 9g

Nutrition info included as a guide. No guarantees are made that the information is accurate.

Our recipe for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls is one you won’t want to miss. The topping is a combination of Granny Smith apples, vanilla extract, light brown sugar and unsalted butter. The result is worthy of a chef’s kiss!

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