Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling combine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a sweet and warmly spiced apple pie filling for a comforting treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. These rolls feature a tender dough layered with cinnamon sugar and juicy apple filling, baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Easy to make at home, they offer irresistible flavor and texture with every bite.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains gluten and dairy (note: gluten-free and vegan variations available as per recipe suggestions)
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup milk, lukewarm
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for spreading)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Pie Filling
- 3 medium apples (peeled and diced), firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm and stir in the yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it proof for about 5 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Apple Pie Filling: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add peeled and diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool completely to prevent soggy rolls.
- Roll and Assemble: Once dough has doubled, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 x 15 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar mixture (cinnamon mixed with some sugar). Spread the cooled apple pie filling evenly on top. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut and Proof Rolls: Using a serrated knife, slice the rolled log into 1.5 to 2 inch thick rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish with some space between each. Cover with a clean cloth and let them proof for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and filling is bubbly. Watch carefully to ensure even baking.
- Glaze and Enjoy: Meanwhile, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously over warm cinnamon rolls to finish. Serve slightly cooled or warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, active dry yeast for the best rise and texture.
- Do not overfill with apple filling to prevent sogginess.
- Let dough rest properly to develop gluten and ease rolling.
- Roll the dough tightly but gently to create beautiful spiral layers without squishing.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before glazing to keep the glaze glossy and intact.
- Use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter, for smooth dough consistency.
- For extra flavor, refrigerate shaped rolls overnight for slow fermentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, apple pie filling, cinnamon apple rolls, breakfast rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, spiced apple dessert