Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls: A Cozy Fusion of Two Classic Desserts

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort food, blending the irresistible flavors of apple pie with the soft, fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls. Each roll is filled with a sweet apple-cinnamon mixture that brings the warmth and sweetness of a homemade apple pie. Topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel, these rolls have a delightful texture contrast, while the creamy icing drizzled over the top adds just the right touch of sweetness. Perfectly spiced, soft, and filled with tender apples, this dessert is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or after they’ve had a chance to cool, these rolls are an indulgent treat that will fill your home with the cozy aroma of baked apples and cinnamon.

Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls because they combine the best of both worlds: the soft, pillowy dough of classic cinnamon rolls paired with the sweet, spiced flavor of an apple pie filling. The apples bring a juicy, fruity element to the rolls, making each bite both comforting and deliciously fresh. The cinnamon streusel on top adds a satisfying crunch, while the rich cream cheese icing balances the warmth of the spices with a creamy sweetness. Not only are these rolls packed with flavor, but they’re also visually impressive and will leave your kitchen smelling like a bakery. They’re perfect for any occasion where you want to impress guests with a show-stopping, homemade treat.

Perfect Occasion: These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for autumn mornings when the crisp air calls for something warm and comforting. They make an ideal addition to brunch, family gatherings, or holiday breakfasts, especially during Thanksgiving or Christmas. Because they’re indulgent and delicious, these rolls are also perfect for dessert, served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee. If you’re looking for a special weekend bake or a sweet treat to enjoy on a cozy evening, these cinnamon rolls will hit the spot every time. Plus, they’re a great way to use up extra apples from a fall harvest!

Decoration Tips: To give your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing them with thin apple slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving. You can also drizzle additional caramel sauce on top of the rolls for an extra indulgent finish. For a festive touch, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice to the icing to enhance the warm flavors of the apple pie filling. Serving them in a decorative dish or platter lined with parchment paper can also elevate the presentation. If you want to make them even more special, offer small bowls of chopped nuts, like toasted pecans or walnuts, for guests to sprinkle on top of their rolls for added crunch.

Ingredients:

For the Rolls:

• 13g instant yeast
• 240g warm milk
• 115g warm water
• 40g softened butter
• 50g sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 540g all-purpose flour (add a little more if sticky)
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 100g brown sugar
• 50g granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 70g unsalted butter (softened)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 84g unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 120g all-purpose flour
• 60g granulated sugar
• 25g light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Icing:

• 70g melted unsalted butter
• 100g cream cheese
• ½ to 1 cup powdered sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp heavy cream (adjust based on your desired icing consistency)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the yeast, warm milk, warm water, softened butter, sugar, salt, flour, and egg. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
2. First Rise: Once the dough is smooth, place it in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, peel and dice the apples into small pieces. In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Set the apples and sugar mixture aside.
4. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle, approximately 10×15 inches in size.
5. Add the Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter, making sure to cover the entire surface. Then, evenly distribute the diced apples on top of the cinnamon sugar layer.
6. Form the Rolls: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 strips. Roll each strip into a spiral and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, until puffed up.
7. Prepare the Streusel Topping: While the rolls are rising, make the streusel topping by combining the butter, flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until a crumbly consistency forms. Place the streusel in the fridge while the rolls finish rising.
8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake the Rolls: Once the rolls have risen, remove the streusel from the fridge and sprinkle it generously over the tops of the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the rolls are cooked through.
10. Make the Icing: While the rolls are cooling, prepare the icing. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if needed.
11. Finish and Serve: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the soft, fluffy rolls with their sweet apple pie filling and crunchy streusel topping.

Enjoy!