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Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
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Wake up to warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with a rich, spiced apple pie filling. This recipe combines soft dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and pockets of sweet, tender apples for a cozy and irresistible treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients

  • 3 medium fresh apples, peeled and diced
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt (a pinch)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar)

Glaze (Optional)

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Warm the milk and melt the butter. Combine the warm milk, melted butter, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar to activate the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, mix the flour, remaining sugar, egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and stir to form a smooth dough. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until elastic and smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  2. Make the apple pie filling: Peel and dice the apples into small pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  3. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle generously over the buttered dough. Evenly distribute the cooled apple filling on top of the cinnamon sugar.
  4. Shape the rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge, sealing the seam by pinching the edges together. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 slices about 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or pan, spaced evenly with some room to expand.
  5. Final rise and bake: Cover the rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If they brown too quickly, tent them loosely with foil.
  6. Glaze and serve: Once the rolls are slightly cooled but still warm, prepare the glaze by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzly. Drizzle the glaze over the rolls and serve warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even rising and better dough texture.
  • Don’t overfill the rolls with apple filling to avoid sogginess.
  • Allow the rolls to rise fully twice for light, airy texture.
  • Chilling the shaped rolls for 15 minutes before baking helps retain their shape.
  • Adjust sugar levels based on sweetness of apples or personal preference.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Freeze wrapped rolls for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat in microwave for 20-30 seconds or oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, apple pie filling, breakfast rolls, cinnamon sugar rolls, apple cinnamon rolls, baked breakfast, weekend brunch, homemade cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/cinnamon-rolls-with-apple-pie-filling/