These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of both worlds—soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls combined with the comforting flavors of apple pie. Each bite is a perfect blend of sweet, spiced cinnamon and caramelized apples, all rolled into fluffy dough and topped with a creamy maple cream cheese icing. Perfect for autumn mornings or a sweet treat at any time of the day, these rolls are sure to become a seasonal favorite. The addition of caramelized apples adds a cozy twist, making these cinnamon rolls extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these cinnamon rolls for their soft, tender dough and the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon and apples. The caramelized apples add a wonderful texture and sweetness, perfectly complementing the buttery dough. Topped with a rich maple cream cheese icing, these rolls are indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re sure to impress. The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are bakery-quality, making it a perfect baking project for any level of baker.
Perfect Occasion
These apple pie cinnamon rolls are ideal for cozy autumn mornings, holiday breakfasts, or family gatherings. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving brunch or as a weekend treat when you want to enjoy the flavors of fall. The combination of cinnamon, apples, and maple icing makes them a wonderful dessert for any special occasion. Serve them warm, straight out of the oven, for the ultimate comforting treat, or bring them to a holiday gathering to share with loved ones.
Decoration Tips
To elevate the look of these cinnamon rolls, you can sprinkle extra cinnamon or chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the top after icing them. For a more rustic look, drizzle additional maple syrup over the rolls just before serving. You could also add a touch of powdered sugar on top for a festive finish. If you want to make them even more indulgent, consider adding a few caramelized apple slices on top of the icing for added visual appeal and flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 135 g warm milk
- 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
- 40 g sugar
- 580 g all-purpose flour
- 5 large eggs
- 180 g soft butter
For the Filling:
- 50 g soft butter
- 50 g brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cubed apple, caramelized in brown sugar
For the Icing:
- 50 g softened cream cheese
- 70 g powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: Combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
- Make the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, eggs, and flour. Mix on medium speed for 5 minutes until a thick dough forms.
- Incorporate the Butter: Gradually add the soft butter, chunk by chunk, mixing continuously. Knead the dough for an additional 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a large bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the caramelized apple cubes evenly across the surface.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls into a greased baking pan, leaving space between them. Cover and let them rise for another hour, or until doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Prepare the Icing: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
- Ice the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, let them cool for 10 minutes. Spread the maple cream cheese icing over the top and serve warm.
Enjoy these delicious Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, the perfect cozy treat for autumn!
