Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Like apple pie and cinnamon rolls had the coziest baby ever. These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. They combine the warmth of cinnamon with tender apples and creamy frosting, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: These rolls blend flavors that remind you of home, making them perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls can be enjoyed anytime!
• Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch with fresh ingredients, you can taste the love in every bite.
• Impressive Presentation: The swirls of apple filling and cream cheese frosting make these rolls visually stunning.
• Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or spices to make this recipe your own.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure success in your baking adventure.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing dough, ensuring a smooth consistency.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, allowing for uniform baking.
• Mixing bowls: Provide ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for placing your rolls while they bake to perfection.

Ingredients

Like apple pie and cinnamon rolls had the coziest baby ever. These rolls are loaded with tender apples, warm spices, and a boost of apple butter for extra flavor, all wrapped in fluffy homemade dough and slathered with cream cheese frosting.

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

For the Dough

• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 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 Topping

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup 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

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat:
1. Combine diced apples, apple butter, granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt.
2. Cook until the apples are tender but not mushy. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a stand mixer bowl:
1. Combine bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and fine sea salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until combined.
4. Gradually incorporate Tangzhong until fully integrated.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Knead the dough using your stand mixer:
– Knead on medium speed for about 7–10 minutes until smooth.
– Place in a greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size (about 90 minutes).

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

After rising:
– Punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface.
– Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.

Step 5: Assemble Rolls

Spread:
– Evenly spread softened unsalted butter over rolled-out dough.
– Sprinkle brown sugar mixed with ground cinnamon evenly on top.
– Spread cooled apple filling over sugar mixture.

Step 6: Roll Up & Cut

Roll tightly from one end to another:
– Slice into individual rolls about 1½ inches thick.
– Place cut rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover rolls lightly:
– Let rise again until puffy (about 30 minutes).

Step 8: Bake

Preheat oven:
– Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

While baking:
– Beat together room-temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth.
– Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing; then add heavy cream and apple butter until desired consistency is reached.

Step 10: Frost & Serve

Once baked:
– Allow rolls to cool slightly before generously drizzling with cream cheese frosting.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or dessert, serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience.

With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Drizzle extra cream cheese frosting on top for a rich and creamy finish.

Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.

Paired with Fresh Whipped Cream

• A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness and complements the spices beautifully.

Enjoyed with Hot Coffee or Tea

• Pair these rolls with your favorite hot beverage for a comforting morning or afternoon snack.

Garnished with Chopped Nuts

• Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch and flavor depth.

Served Alongside Fresh Fruit

• Offer slices of fresh apples or berries to balance the sweetness of the rolls.

How to Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Perfecting your Apple Cinnamon Rolls requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and rising.

• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps create fluffy rolls.

• Allow Enough Rising Time: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size, ensuring light and airy rolls.

• Don’t Skip the Tangzhong: This technique adds moisture to your dough, resulting in soft rolls that stay fresh longer.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your rolls while baking; they should be golden brown but not overcooked.

• Serve Warm: These rolls are best served warm, as this enhances their flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cinnamon Rolls can create a delightful meal. Here are some great options:

1. Breakfast Sausages: Savory sausages balance the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls, making a satisfying breakfast platter.

2. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein that complements the sweet rolls nicely.

3. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and make for a hearty brunch when paired with these rolls.

4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brightens up the plate and offers a healthy contrast to the rich flavors.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a light yet filling side that pairs well with cinnamon rolls.

6. Maple Bacon: Sweet and savory maple bacon is an irresistible addition that enhances breakfast flavors.

7. Smoothies: A fruit smoothie provides a refreshing drink option that balances out the richness of the rolls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold milk, eggs, or butter can hinder the dough’s rise. Always make sure these ingredients are at room temperature.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dense rolls. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy or spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step; let it rise until doubled in size.
• Overfilling the rolls: Adding too much apple filling can make rolling difficult and cause spills during baking. Keep the filling generous but manageable.
• Ignoring the frosting temperature: Using cold cream cheese for frosting can make it lumpy. Let it come to room temperature for a smooth consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover rolls in an airtight container.
• item They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

• item Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• item They can be frozen for up to 3 months before baking.

Reheating Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual rolls on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, feel free to substitute Gala apples with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for different flavors and textures.

How do I make the dough less sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour while mixing until you achieve a soft but manageable consistency.

Can I prepare these rolls in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, then refrigerate overnight before baking.

What should I do if my rolls don’t rise?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If they don’t rise, give them more time in a warm area.

Are there any substitutes for apple butter?

You can use homemade apple puree or even pumpkin puree as alternatives if you want a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them by adding nuts, raisins, or even different spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 12 rolls 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling, a delightful fusion of two classic desserts. These rolls are filled with tender apple pieces and fragrant spices, all wrapped in fluffy homemade dough. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they make for an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or warmed up later, these rolls will fill your home with inviting aromas and create memories around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 2/3 cups diced Gala apples
• 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
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup bread flour
• 3 2/3 cups bread flour
• 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
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the apple filling by cooking diced apples, apple butter, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan until tender.
2. In a stand mixer bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix warm milk, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract separately before combining with dry ingredients.
3. Knead the dough for about 7–10 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a greased bowl until doubled (about 90 minutes).
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter followed by the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture and cooled apple filling.
5. Roll tightly into a log and slice into individual rolls. Allow to rise again on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Prepare cream cheese frosting while baking and drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll (100g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg