These warm cinnamon rolls filled with apple pie goodness are a match made in heaven! Soft, sweet, and gooey, they’re perfect for breakfast or dessert.
The smell of cinnamon and apples baking will make your home feel cozy! I love having them fresh out of the oven with a drizzle of icing on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is essential for the dough’s structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had great results using it in cinnamon rolls.
Active Dry Yeast: It’s crucial for making the dough rise. If you don’t have it, instant yeast can work too; just follow the package instructions for amounts. Just remember, both types need some warmth to come alive!
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my go-tos for their sweet-tart flavor. You can swap them for other types like Fuji or Braeburn, but avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious.
Unsalted Butter: It adds richness to both the dough and filling. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but I recommend sticking to butter for the best flavor!
How Do You Properly Knead Dough?
Kneading is a key step in making soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls! It’s all about developing gluten in the dough, giving it that nice chewy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- On a clean, floured surface, place your dough and use the heels of your hands to push it away from you.
- Fold the dough back over itself and give it a turn (about 90 degrees).
- Repeat this process for 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
To check if it’s ready, poke it with your finger; if the dough springs back, you’re good to go!
What’s the Best Way to Roll Cinnamon Rolls?
Rolling the dough correctly is crucial for even filling distribution and nice, swirly cuts. Here’s how:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking but don’t overdo it.
- Roll out your dough into a rectangle (about 15×20 inches), keeping the edges as straight as possible.
- When rolling the dough into a log, start at the long edge for larger rolls. Tightly roll while keeping the filling spread evenly.
Making sure to cut the rolls evenly (using a sharp knife or dental floss works wonders) will ensure they cook evenly. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup water
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise, and then 30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 2 hours to make these delicious cinnamon rolls – great for a weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
Start by sprinkling the yeast over the warm milk in a large bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy. It’s like magic! Then, add in the sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Whisk everything together until well combined. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Now, flour your surface and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This will take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:
While the dough rises, it’s time to make the apple pie filling! In a medium saucepan, mix the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently for 8-10 minutes, until the mixture thickens and the apples soften. Once done, set it aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Don’t forget to set aside the softened butter for spreading over the dough later!
4. Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 15×20 inch rectangle. Spread that softened butter evenly over the dough; this is where it gets delicious! Next, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter. Now, evenly distribute the cooled apple pie filling over everything. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices for perfect rolls!
5. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the pan and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and beautiful. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Make the Icing:
While your rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. You’ll want to drizzle this goodness over your rolls!
7. Finish:
Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the icing over them while they’re still warm, letting it melt into those delicious rolls! Serve warm and enjoy the gooey cinnamon rolls bursting with sweet apple pie filling!
These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with amazing flavors, making them perfect for a cozy breakfast or indulgent dessert. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Pie Filling?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple pie filling can save you time. Just substitute it for the homemade filling in the recipe, and you’re good to go!
What If I Don’t Have Active Dry Yeast?
If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead—just use the same amount. There’s no need to activate it in warm milk; you can mix it directly into the flour!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm again!
Can I Freeze the Rolls Before Baking?
Yes, you can freeze the rolls before baking! Prepare the rolls, place them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze. To bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then let them rise for about an hour before baking as directed.
