Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting treat, these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are just the ticket! Imagine fluffy rolls filled with tender apples, warm spices, and a delightful hint of apple butter. This recipe combines the best of both worlds—apple pie meets cinnamon rolls! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special or for family gatherings when you want to impress your loved ones. Trust me, once you try these rolls, they will become a household favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon creates an irresistible flavor that everyone adores.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll feel like a pro baker in no time!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls fit perfectly into any meal.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready for a sweet treat.
• Family Friendly: Kids love getting involved in the kitchen, and rolling up these delicious treats is so much fun!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be happy to know that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you need to whip up these delightful Apple Cinnamon Rolls:

For the Filling

• 1 2/3 cups diced Gala apple
• 1/4 cup apple butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Dough

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup bread flour
• 3 2/3 cups bread flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Tangzhong (from recipe above)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons apple butter

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your fillings or toppings. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Try different fruits: Experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches for a unique twist.
• Use different spices: Swap out ground cinnamon for nutmeg or allspice to change up the spice profile.
• Glaze instead of frosting: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an easier option.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by sautéing your diced Gala apples in a pan with water and a sprinkle of sugar. This helps soften them and brings out their natural sweetness. Once they’re tender, stir in the apple butter, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Let this mixture cool while you prepare your dough.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a bowl, combine water, milk, cream, and Tangzhong until smooth. Gradually add in bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Knead until you have a soft dough that’s slightly sticky but not overly wet. This step is essential as it ensures your rolls will be fluffy!

Step 3: First Rise

Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—about 90 minutes. This is where all the magic happens! The yeast works its wonders here.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Once risen, roll out your dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread your prepared filling evenly over the dough. Then roll it tightly from one end to another into a cylinder shape. Cut into individual rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife; this keeps them neat without squashing them.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place your rolled-up dough pieces into a greased baking pan. Cover again and let them rise until puffy—this usually takes about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven while waiting for the second rise. Bake the rolls at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Frosting Time!

While they cool slightly, mix together softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Once cooled enough so they won’t melt it off completely, generously spread this creamy frosting over each roll.

And there you have it! A batch of heavenly Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling that will bring warmth to any day!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Creating the perfect apple cinnamon rolls might seem daunting, but with these helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to a baking success story!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for sweet varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape well during baking and provide a delicious sweetness that’s essential for the filling.

• Don’t skip the tangzhong: This technique involves cooking a portion of flour with water, creating a smooth paste that helps keep your dough moist and fluffy. It’s a game-changer for texture!

• Let the dough rise properly: Allowing your dough to rise until it doubles in size is crucial for achieving those light and airy rolls. Patience is key here—trust the process!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your milk, cream, and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother dough and ensures even rising.

• Adjust baking time as needed: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your rolls towards the end of baking. They should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

These delightful apple cinnamon rolls make a fantastic centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch table. Here are some ideas to help you serve them up beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar over the rolls just before serving adds an appealing touch and enhances that warm spice flavor.
• Fresh apple slices: Adding thinly sliced fresh apples on the side not only looks pretty but also complements the flavors of the rolls perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt can add a nice tangy contrast to the sweetness of the rolls, making every bite even more enjoyable.
• Fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad with seasonal fruits can lighten up your meal while providing freshness alongside those rich rolls.
• Scrambled eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs bring protein to the table, balancing out the sweetness of your apple cinnamon rolls beautifully.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with these rolls, enhancing their cozy charm and making for a delightful breakfast experience.

With these serving tips and pro advice in mind, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your homemade apple cinnamon rolls! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare them ahead of time and enjoy fresh, warm rolls whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• After baking and cooling completely, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, allow frozen rolls to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual rolls on a plate for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious rolls:

Can I use other types of apples for the Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling?

Absolutely! While Gala apples work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith for different flavor profiles.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise as expected when making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling, ensure that your yeast is fresh and that you’re using warm liquids (not hot) during preparation. A warm environment helps activate the yeast!

Can I make these rolls without apple butter?

Yes! If you don’t have apple butter on hand, you can substitute it with unsweetened applesauce or an additional layer of cinnamon sugar filling to maintain that sweet apple flavor.

How long does it take to make these rolls from start to finish?

From beginning to end, including prepping, rising times, and baking, expect around 4.5 hours to create these delightful Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy into your kitchen! These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are not just delicious but also a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite as they remind you of cozy times spent with loved ones. Happy baking!