Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Deliciously soft cinnamon rolls filled with spiced apples and topped with a creamy glaze, combining the flavors of classic apple pie with the comfort of cinnamon rolls.

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Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Apple Pie, Baked Goods, Cinnamon Rolls

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 55

Servings: servings

Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

For the Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
1 packet active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons
1 cup whole milk warm, about 110°F (43°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar to activate yeast
1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
2 large eggs room temperature
1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

3 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
1/4 cup brown sugar packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated if possible
1 tablespoon lemon juice to prevent browning
1 tablespoon cornstarch to thicken filling

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar sifted
2 tablespoons milk adjust for desired consistency
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This activates the yeast, which is essential for the dough to rise.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture.
Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, giving the rolls their structure.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps absorb excess moisture from the apples during baking.

Assemble the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16x12 inches.
Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. The rolls should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk for desired consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh apples and allow the dough to rise in a warm environment. You can also add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.

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