These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, filled with sweet, tender apples that are spiced with cinnamon and sugar. The soft, pillowy dough wraps around the warm apple filling, and the rolls are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting while still warm from the oven. Each bite brings you the comforting flavors of apple pie combined with the satisfying texture of cinnamon rolls, making them the perfect fall dessert or breakfast treat. Whether you're enjoying them with a cup of coffee on a crisp morning or sharing them with friends and family, these rolls are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of two beloved comfort foods—cinnamon rolls and apple pie. The dough is soft and fluffy, with just the right amount of chewiness, while the apple filling adds a sweet, tangy burst of flavor that’s beautifully complemented by the warm cinnamon. The cream cheese frosting brings the whole dessert together, adding a rich, creamy finish that melts into the warm rolls. These rolls are indulgent, comforting, and a perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall.
Perfect Occasion
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for cozy fall mornings, special weekend breakfasts, or as a dessert for family gatherings and holiday brunches. They’re ideal for any autumn occasion when you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to something extra special. Their combination of familiar flavors and seasonal ingredients makes them perfect for celebrations like Thanksgiving, or simply as a sweet surprise to share with guests or neighbors.
Decoration Tips
To elevate the presentation of your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, you can drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the rolls in a zig-zag pattern for a beautiful finish. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a little cinnamon or powdered sugar over the top. You can also add a few thin apple slices or small apple chunks on top of each roll before serving to highlight the apple flavor. If you want to get creative, a light drizzle of caramel sauce will add an extra layer of indulgence and a beautiful golden touch to the rolls.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 200ml warm milk (not hot)
- 50g sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 60g melted butter (ensure it’s not hot)
- 7g dry yeast
- 450g all-purpose flour
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples
- 70g sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 50ml water
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 250g cream cheese
- 50g sugar
- 100ml heavy cream (30-33% fat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the room-temperature egg and melted (but not hot) butter to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until fully combined. - Incorporate the Flour:
Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, stirring as you go. Knead the dough by hand or using a dough hook for 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. It should be soft and fluffy. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough proof in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the dough is proofing, peel and grate the apples on a medium setting. In a saucepan, combine the grated apples, sugar, cinnamon, and water. Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the liquid thickens. Remove from heat and allow the apple filling to cool to warm temperature. - Form the Rolls:
Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ½ inch thick. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 10-12 equal slices to form the cinnamon rolls. - Second Proof:
Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover and let them proof again for about 30 minutes. - Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 35-45 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact baking time will depend on the size of your rolls; larger rolls may take closer to 45 minutes. - Prepare the Frosting:
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. - Frost the Rolls:
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven and while they are still hot, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the rolls. The frosting will melt slightly, soaking into the rolls and making them even more delicious.
Enjoy!
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of soft dough, warm apples, and creamy frosting. Serve them warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple pie in every bite!
