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- 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup warm milk (approximately 110°F) - 1 large egg - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons milk - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract When making apple pie cinnamon rolls, each ingredient plays a key role. The dough starts with all-purpose flour. This gives the rolls their structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while instant yeast helps the dough rise. Salt enhances flavor, and melted butter makes the dough rich and soft. Warm milk activates the yeast. The egg binds everything together. For the filling, I choose medium apples. They offer the right balance of sweet and tart. Lemon juice keeps the apples fresh. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice, while brown sugar gives it a caramel-like taste. A little flour thickens the filling, making it gooey. Ground nutmeg adds a touch of warmth. Finally, the glaze is simple but essential. Powdered sugar gives it sweetness. Milk creates a smooth texture, and vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. Together, these ingredients create a delightful treat that will impress everyone. {{ingredient_image_2}} - In a large bowl, whisk together: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: - 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter - 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F) - 1 large egg - Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. - Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. - Transfer to a floured surface. - Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. - Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. - Cover it with a kitchen towel. - Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. - While the dough rises, prepare the apple filling. - Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. - Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 18x12 inches. - Spread the apple filling evenly over the rolled dough. - Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. - Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. - Place the sliced rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. - Cover the dish with a cloth and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes. - Preheat your oven to 350°F. - Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. - While the rolls bake, whisk together the glaze: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons milk - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - Mix until smooth and creamy. These steps ensure you create scrumptious apple pie cinnamon rolls. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Kneading is key to good dough. It helps develop gluten, which gives rolls their nice texture. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. This step is fun and easy. You can feel the dough change as you work it. Dough needs warmth to rise well. The best temperature is around 75°F to 80°F. If your kitchen is cool, find a warm spot. An oven with just the light on works great. This helps the dough double in size. To make your rolls even better, add spices. Try a pinch of ginger or allspice. These extra flavors will make your rolls pop. You can also mix in a bit of vanilla for sweetness. The type of apples you use matters too. Fuji and Honeycrisp apples are sweet and hold their shape. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness. Mixing different apple types can create a balanced flavor. Serve your rolls on a colorful platter. It makes them look special. Drizzle more glaze on top for a sweet touch. This adds shine and makes them look inviting. For garnishing, use thin apple slices. Place them around the rolls for color. A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds a nice finish. These small details will impress your guests. Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor, choose firm and tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the rolls. Prevent Sticking: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking while rolling it out, making it easier to handle. Check for Doneness: To ensure your rolls are perfectly baked, look for a golden brown color and check that the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Let Them Cool: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze, as this will help it adhere better and prevent it from melting away. {{image_4}} You can make your cinnamon rolls even sweeter! Adding caramels gives them a rich flavor. Simply sprinkle chopped caramels on top of the apple filling. When you bake them, the caramels will melt and blend perfectly with the apples. You get a delightful mix of flavors and textures. If you like nuts, try adding them to the filling. Chopped pecans or walnuts work well. Just mix them in with the apples, lemon juice, and spices. The nuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty taste. This variation gives your rolls a unique twist that everyone will love. You can easily make these rolls vegan! Replace the milk with almond or oat milk. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. For the butter, try coconut oil or vegan butter. These swaps keep the flavors rich and delicious while being plant-based. Enjoy your warm, gooey rolls without any animal products! To keep your apple pie cinnamon rolls fresh, refrigeration is key. Place leftover rolls in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. If you do not have a container, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is a great way to save extra rolls. Start by letting the rolls cool completely. Once cool, place them in an airtight freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. These rolls can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them, take out the rolls and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will restore their fluffy texture. At room temperature, these rolls last about 2 days. Keep them covered to avoid drying out. If the weather is hot or humid, I recommend refrigerating them sooner. This keeps the rolls from spoiling too quickly. Yes, you can use store-bought dough. It saves time and effort. Pros: - Quick and easy to use. - No need to knead or rise dough. Cons: - Flavor may not be as fresh. - Texture might be different than homemade. For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. I recommend these types: - Honeycrisp: Sweet and crisp - Granny Smith: Tart and firm - Fuji: Sweet and juicy This mix gives your rolls a nice balance of flavor. Look for these signs: - Golden brown color on top. - Rolls should feel firm to the touch. - A toothpick comes out clean when poked in the center. Letting them cool a bit will help too. Yes, you can prepare them ahead. - Make the dough and filling, then chill overnight. - Shape the rolls and let them rise in the fridge. - Bake them fresh in the morning. This way, you enjoy warm rolls without morning stress. You learned how to make delicious apple pie cinnamon rolls. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. These rolls are perfect for any occasion. You can also try variations like caramel or vegan options. Storing leftovers is easy, so you can enjoy them later. Whether you're baking for yourself or friends, these rolls will impress. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Delicious cinnamon rolls filled with apple pie filling and topped with a creamy glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup warm milk (approximately 110°F)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt until combined.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, warm milk, and the large egg until you achieve a smooth blend.
  • Create the Dough: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form. Transfer the mixture to a floured surface and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until you have a smooth and elastic texture.
  • Let the Dough Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and set it in a warm place. Allow it to rise for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the apple filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped apples, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground nutmeg. Toss the ingredients gently until the apple pieces are well coated. Set aside.
  • Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle measuring about 18x12 inches.
  • Fill the Dough: Evenly spread the prepared apple filling across the rolled-out dough, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
  • Roll and Slice: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
  • Prepare for the Second Rise: Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish with a cloth and allow the rolls to rise again for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
  • Finish and Serve: Once the rolls are finished baking, take them out of the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the warm rolls.

Notes

Serve these delightful cinnamon rolls on a decorative platter, drizzle additional glaze on top for a tempting finish, and garnish with thin apple slices or a light dusting of cinnamon to elevate the presentation.
Keyword apple pie, cinnamon rolls, dessert