These cinnamon rolls filled with sweet apple pie goodness are a warm treat! The soft dough swirls around juicy apple pieces and a sprinkle of cinnamon, making them extra yummy.
Honestly, the smell of these baking is just amazing! I can’t resist having one fresh out of the oven—slathered in icing, of course. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to that? 😋
Making these rolls is super easy. Just roll out the dough, spread that apple pie filling, and bake. They are perfect for breakfast or dessert, and you’ll love how cozy they make your kitchen feel!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yeast: Active dry yeast is essential for fluffiness. If you have instant yeast, you can use that too without proofing it first. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients!
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are my go-to. Their tanginess balances the sweetness. You can switch it up with Honeycrisp or Braeburn if you prefer a sweeter filling!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter works fine too.
Flour: All-purpose flour creates soft rolls, but you can substitute half with whole wheat for added fiber and a nutty flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Rolls are Soft and Fluffy?
The key to these soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls lies in the dough-making process. Follow these tips to get it just right:
- Use warm milk, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast.
- After mixing, knead the dough enough to make it elastic. This helps form the gluten for structure.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area; a turned-off oven with the light on is perfect!
- Don’t rush the rising time; letting it double in size is crucial for fluffiness.
With these tips and tasty ingredients, you’re set to make some delicious cinnamon rolls! Enjoy every bite of that apple-filled goodness! 🍏
Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken)
For the Filling Inside Rolls:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Prepared apple pie filling (from above)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus about 2 hours for rising and baking. You’ll have warm, delightful cinnamon rolls ready to feast on in about 2 hours and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Stir in the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, about 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir frequently and cook until the apples become tender, about 5-7 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then add it to the pan. Stir until the filling thickens, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool completely before using.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16 by 12 inches. Spread the softened butter over the dough. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the butter. Evenly spread the cooled apple pie filling on top. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the roll into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Final Rise and Bake:
Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes until they’re puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
5. Prepare the Icing:
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk or cream to create a smooth, drizzle-able glaze. Adjust the thickness to your liking by adding more milk or powdered sugar.
6. Serve:
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle icing generously over the warm rolls and serve them up! Enjoy this delightful combination of cinnamon and apple pie flavors!
This recipe yields soft, gooey cinnamon rolls swirled with sweet apple filling, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze—perfect for a comforting breakfast or dessert!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Pie Filling?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple pie filling can save you time and still taste delicious. Just use the same amount as the homemade filling in the recipe, and skip the preparation step.
How Can I Make These Rolls Vegan?
You can easily make these rolls vegan by substituting the milk with a plant-based milk, replacing the butter with vegan butter, and using flax eggs instead of regular eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals one egg). Just make sure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly!
What Should I Do If My Dough Isn’t Rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast or an unsuitable environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by dissolving it in warm milk (not hot) and waiting for it to foam. Additionally, try placing the dough in a warm area, like an oven that’s turned off but slightly warm, to encourage rising.
Can I Freeze Leftover Rolls?
Yes, you can freeze leftover cinnamon rolls! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer. To reheat, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
