Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

There is nothing quite like the cozy warmth and irresistible aroma of freshly baked Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe straight from your oven. This delightful treat marries the flaky, soft texture of cinnamon rolls with the sweet, tender bits of cinnamon-spiced apples that remind you of classic apple pie. Each bite is a hug of gooey cinnamon, sugary glaze, and tender apples that makes it impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch or a comforting dessert, this Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe truly captures the essence of fall and comfort all rolled into one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing a delicious Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Each element, from the yeast that makes the dough rise to the juicy apples in the filling, plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Warm milk: Acts as the perfect environment to activate the yeast and create light, fluffy dough.
• Active dry yeast: The magical leavening agent that gives the rolls their soft, airy rise.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to the dough, balancing the flavors.
• Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Provides richness to the dough and luscious creaminess in the filling.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness, making sure the rolls aren’t one-dimensional.
• Egg: Binds the dough and contributes to a tender crumb.
• All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, giving it structure and chewiness.
• Light brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel sweetness to the filling that complements the apples perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice that makes every bite warm and inviting.
• Fresh apples: Peeled, cored, and diced for pockets of juicy sweetness throughout the rolls.
• Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the shiny, sweet glaze that ties everything together.
• Milk (for glaze): Creates the perfect consistency for drizzling over warm rolls.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant note to the glaze, rounding out the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by combining warm milk with active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy — this signals that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, giving your dough the perfect rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients

Once the yeast is foamy, add granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and an egg. Mix these ingredients well to form a smooth base before gradually folding in the flour. Adding flour cup by cup helps you gauge the perfect consistency — soft but not too sticky, ideal for kneading.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds gluten, giving the dough elasticity and a smooth texture, which is crucial for those tender, fluffy rolls we’re after.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size — usually about one hour. This slow fermentation adds flavor and airiness to every bite.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

Mix softened butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until creamy. This luscious cinnamon-sugar butter is what transforms simple dough into a dessert that tastes like a slice of homemade apple pie.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, roll the dough out into a large rectangle about 9 by 13 inches. This provides a great canvas to spread the cinnamon butter and sprinkle diced apples evenly for every slice to have a bit of that apple pie magic.

Step 7: Add Filling and Apples

Spread the cinnamon butter evenly over the dough surface, then scatter the diced apples on top. These tender morsels bring bursts of juicy sweetness paired with the warm spice, making every bite special.

Step 8: Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to form a log, then slice it into 12 even rolls. The tight roll ensures the cinnamon apple filling stays beautifully swirled inside each bun.

Step 9: Second Rise

Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes. This final proofing helps them bake up soft, light, and impart that irresistible “just-baked” texture.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden brown on top — this warm color signals that they’re perfectly cooked and ready to be devoured.

Step 11: Prepare and Add the Glaze

While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls, enhancing their flavor with a glossy, sugary finish that’s utterly addictive.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft, sweet rolls.

Side Dishes

Serve these apple pie cinnamon rolls alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or spiced apple cider to complement the warm cinnamon notes. Fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream also balances the sweetness and adds freshness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive bake sale or brunch, arrange the rolls in a pretty wooden tray lined with parchment paper and dust lightly with cinnamon sugar. You can also warm individual rolls and serve them in ramekins topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, store any leftover Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready to enjoy without losing their signature gooey texture.

Freezing

If you want to save them for later, freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting and shaping by wrapping the pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and allow the rolls to rise before baking as usual for freshly baked goodness.

Reheating

Warm leftover rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or pop them in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to revive that soft, melty warmth. Add an extra drizzle of glaze after reheating for maximum indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! Crisp apples like Granny Smith hold up well during baking, but you can also use sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp depending on your preferred level of tartness and sweetness.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, allowing the dough to rise twice — once before shaping and once after — is crucial for creating light, fluffy rolls with that tender crumb and perfect swirl of filling.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

With a few adjustments, yes! Substitute the milk with plant-based alternatives, use vegan butter, and swap the egg for flaxseed or chia seed egg replacers to keep that tender, moist texture.

How long do these cinnamon rolls stay fresh?

They are best enjoyed within two days when stored at room temperature, but they can be frozen for longer storage without compromising taste or texture.

Is the glaze necessary?

While the glaze adds a delightful sweetness and finishing touch, the rolls are delicious on their own or even with a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer less sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a home cook trying something new, this Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a surefire way to fill your kitchen with joy and delicious aromas. It’s the perfect treat to share with family and friends or to indulge in as a comforting solo snack. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into the delightful process of baking these heavenly rolls—you’ll be so glad you did!

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