Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines the cozy flavors of fall with the warmth of homemade baking, then these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are just what you need. They remind me of lazy Sunday mornings spent in the kitchen, where the aroma of cinnamon and apples fills the air, enticing everyone to gather around the table. Trust me when I say, once you bake these rolls, they will quickly become a family favorite!

These delightful rolls are perfect for busy weeknights, festive family gatherings, or even as a special surprise for breakfast. Each bite is filled with tender apples and warm spices, making them irresistible. Plus, they come with a luscious cream cheese frosting that takes them over the top!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall for the delicious combination of apples and cinnamon.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare them in advance and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready to enjoy.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of apple pie filling and cinnamon creates a comforting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these scrumptious Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling! You probably have many of these on hand already.

For the Apple Filling

• 1 2/3 cups diced Gala apple
• 1/4 cup apple butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Dough

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup bread flour
• 3 2/3 cups bread flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Tangzhong (from recipe above)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons apple butter

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

• Try Different Apples: Use your favorite apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a unique flavor.
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add an extra crunch to your filling.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute plant-based milk and butter alternatives for a vegan version.
• Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or allspice to your filling for an added depth of flavor.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by preparing your apple filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced Gala apples, apple butter, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, two tablespoons of water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender and everything is well combined. This step is key; it enhances the flavor and ensures your filling is perfectly sweet and spiced!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In another bowl, combine warm water and bread flour for your tangzhong. This unique technique will help keep your rolls soft and fluffy. Once mixed well, set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare your main dough mixture. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine remaining bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, milk, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Add in your tangzhong once it’s cooled down. Mixing everything together creates that lovely dough we want!

Step 3: Knead Your Dough

Once combined into a shaggy dough, knead it on a floured surface or use your stand mixer until it’s smooth and elastic—about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes in a mixer. A well-kneaded dough rises better and gives you those fluffy rolls we all crave.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—this usually takes about an hour. Watching dough rise is one of my favorite parts; it’s like magic happening right before your eyes!

Step 5: Assemble Your Rolls

Once risen, roll out your dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter over the surface followed by an even layer of brown sugar mixed with ground cinnamon. Then spoon on your delicious apple filling evenly across this beautiful canvas before rolling it up tightly from one end to another.

Step 6: Cut & Second Rise

Cut the rolled dough into equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss—trust me on this tip; it works wonders! Place each roll into a greased baking dish spaced apart so they can rise again without sticking together—let them rest for another hour as they puff up beautifully.

Step 7: Bake Them Up

Preheat your oven while those rolls finish rising. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. The smell wafting through your house during this time will be absolutely heavenly!

Step 8: Frost & Enjoy!

While they cool slightly after baking but are still warm, prepare that dreamy cream cheese frosting by mixing together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar and heavy cream until you reach desired consistency. Drizzle this heavenly frosting over your warm rolls before serving—they’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!

And there you have it—a delicious batch of Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling that are sure to bring smiles all around! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Creating the perfect batch of Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling can be a delightful experience! Here are some pro tips to help you achieve that fluffy, flavor-packed perfection.

• Use fresh apples: Fresh apples not only add natural sweetness but also provide the best texture and flavor. Gala apples are a great choice, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!

• Don’t rush the dough rising: Allowing your dough to rise properly is crucial for achieving soft and fluffy rolls. A warm, draft-free environment will help it rise beautifully.

• Roll tightly: When rolling up your dough after filling it, make sure to roll it tightly. This helps create those lovely swirls and ensures that each roll is packed with flavor.

• Check doneness: To ensure your rolls are perfectly baked, use a toothpick to test for doneness in the center of the pan. It should come out clean when they’re ready.

• Adjust frosting consistency: If your cream cheese frosting seems too thick, you can add more heavy cream a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This will make spreading easier and enhance the overall flavor.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Serving these delicious rolls can be just as enjoyable as making them! Whether it’s for breakfast or a special gathering, here are some delightful ways to present your creation.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: A sprinkle of nuts adds a delightful crunch and complements the warm spices perfectly.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top gives an elegant touch and enhances the sweetness.
• Extra apple slices: Thinly sliced apples on top add a fresh element and make for a beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls and adds a burst of color to your table.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layering yogurt with granola and fruits makes for a nutritious side that contrasts nicely with the richness of the rolls.
• Scrambled eggs: Soft scrambled eggs provide protein and create a hearty breakfast option when served alongside these sweet rolls.
• Coffee or chai lattes: Offering a warm beverage like coffee or chai latte complements the flavors of cinnamon and apple beautifully, enhancing the cozy atmosphere of your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to wow your friends and family with these scrumptious Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings or special occasions. You can prepare them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy their delightful flavors whenever you crave a cozy treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise. Arrange them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• For baked rolls, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label your containers with the date for future reference.

Reheating

• For refrigerated rolls, reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• For frozen unbaked rolls, place them directly into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake an additional 10-15 minutes.
• Baked frozen rolls can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling.

Can I make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these rolls ahead of time by freezing them before the second rise or storing leftovers in the fridge. Just follow the storage instructions above!

What is the best way to store Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling?

Store your leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen if you want to keep them longer.

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Yes! While Gala apples are delicious, you can use any firm apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Just ensure they are diced uniformly.

What can I substitute instead of heavy cream for frosting?

You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. These will give you a similar texture without using heavy cream.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling as much as I do! The combination of tender apples and warm spices wrapped in fluffy dough creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring one all by yourself, each bite is sure to bring warmth and joy. Happy baking!