If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds, look no further than these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling! Imagine soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with tender apples and warm spices. This recipe is not just delicious but also brings a comforting aroma to your kitchen, making it perfect for cozy family gatherings or a special weekend brunch. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a festive celebration, these rolls will surely bring smiles all around!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up these rolls in no time, even if you’re not an experienced baker.
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cinnamon rolls, and the apple pie filling adds a fun twist that your kids will adore!
Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and enjoy warm rolls fresh out of the oven whenever you need them.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you’ll love working with. Gather them up to create a batch of sweet and spiced goodness.

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)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can adjust it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch in your filling.
Try Different Fruits: Substitute Gala apples with Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for added warmth.
Make It Vegan: Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives to create a vegan version without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by combining diced apples with apple butter, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and spices in a saucepan over medium heat. This step is crucial because cooking the apples will soften them and enhance their natural sweetness. Stir occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly; this will create that delicious filling we all love in pies!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In another bowl, combine your bread flour with instant yeast and sugar. Then, mix in warm milk, heavy cream, and an egg. Knead until smooth. The dough should be soft and pliable – this ensures fluffy rolls later on! Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Patience is key here!

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill

Once your dough has risen beautifully, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread softened butter on top and sprinkle generously with brown sugar mixed with cinnamon. Then spoon on your prepared apple filling evenly across the surface. Rolling it tightly creates those lovely swirls we all adore.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Cut the rolled dough into equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Allow them to rise again until puffy while you preheat your oven. Baking transforms these beauties into golden perfection – keep an eye on them so they don’t over-bake!

Step 5: Frosting Time!

While your rolls cool slightly after coming out of the oven, whip up some cream cheese frosting by blending together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle this heavenly frosting over warm rolls for that decadent finish!

Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling – they are truly made with love!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Making these delicious rolls can be a delightful experience! Here are some tips to ensure your Apple Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time.

Use fresh apples: Fresh, ripe Gala apples bring the best flavor and texture to your rolls. They’re sweet and tender, which enhances the overall taste of the filling.
Let the dough rise properly: Allowing your dough to rise until it doubles in size is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture. A warm, draft-free environment helps the yeast work its magic!
Don’t skip the tangzhong: This technique involves cooking a portion of flour and water before adding it to your dough. It helps keep your rolls soft and moist for longer.
Monitor baking time closely: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your rolls as they bake. Look for a golden brown color and a delightful aroma to know they are ready.
Cool before frosting: Allow your rolls to cool slightly before adding the cream cheese frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting away while still creating a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

These scrumptious rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert! Here are some ideas to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some crushed walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can enhance both the visual appeal and taste of your rolls.
Apple slices: Thinly slice some fresh apples and arrange them around the plate for a beautiful, colorful presentation.

Side Dishes

Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances well with the sweetness of the rolls.
Greek yogurt with honey: Creamy Greek yogurt drizzled with honey offers a tangy contrast that complements the cinnamon rolls nicely.
Coffee or chai tea: The warm spices from either beverage pair wonderfully with apple flavors, making them an ideal accompaniment.
Scrambled eggs: Light and fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and make this dish feel like a complete meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a cozy batch of Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling is perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, enjoy them fresh, and have delightful leftovers to savor throughout the week.

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 them for up to a week.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious rolls.

Can I use other types of apples for the Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling?

Absolutely! While Gala apples work wonderfully, you can experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for different flavor profiles. Just remember that firmer apples hold their shape better during baking!

How can I make the cream cheese frosting for my Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, simply decrease the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting. You can also add a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors for a more tangy cream cheese frosting.

Can I make these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling vegan?

Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe by using plant-based milk and butter substitutes. Additionally, replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce to maintain moisture in your rolls.

How do I ensure my dough rises properly?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated properly before adding it to your dough. Also, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If it’s chilly, you can preheat your oven briefly, then turn it off and place the dough inside to help it rise!

What is Tangzhong and why should I use it?

Tangzhong is a cooked flour-water mixture that helps keep baked goods moist and fluffy. It enhances the texture of your rolls, making them even more delightful!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these cozy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling! They’re not just treats; they’re little bundles of warmth that bring everyone together. As you create these delicious rolls, remember to savor each moment—whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or sharing them with loved ones. Happy baking!

Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling. These delightful rolls feature soft, fluffy dough swirled with tender apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone gathering around the table. Topped with creamy frosting and optional garnishes like nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

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
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)
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

Prepare the apple filling by cooking diced apples with apple butter, sugar, lemon juice, and spices until slightly thickened.
For the dough, combine bread flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, warm milk, heavy cream, and an egg; knead until smooth and let rise until doubled.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter over it. Sprinkle with brown sugar mixed with cinnamon before adding the apple filling.
Roll tightly into a log and cut into equal pieces. Place in a greased baking dish and allow to rise again.
Bake until golden brown. While cooling, prepare cream cheese frosting by mixing softened cream cheese with butter and powdered sugar. Drizzle over warm rolls.