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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

If you are looking for an awesome twist on cinnamon rolls, check out this amazing Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch!

Have you ever made Cinnamon Rolls from scratch?

Imagine the comforting warmth of an apple pie paired with the gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll. This delicious fusion brings together the best of both worlds, resulting in mouthwatering rolls that taste like a slice of apple pie, topped with a creamy frosting. The addition of freeze-dried cinnamon apple slices and a crunchy apple topping make these rolls a real showstopper.

It is an amazing feeling to see the dough rise and bake into delicious fresh cinnamon rolls. 

I recommend using apple pie filling as the filling for these Decadent Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch. You can use canned or homemade; either way it will be fabulous!

Apple Cinnamon Rolls FAQs:

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?

  • Yes, you can. However, instant yeast is faster and doesn’t require proofing.

Can I use a different type of apple?

  • Absolutely! Granny Smith gives a tart contrast, but feel free to use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or other favorites.

What if I don’t have freeze-dried apples?

  • You can skip them or use finely chopped fresh apples.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Make sure your milk is just warm, not hot. Too hot will kill the yeast.
  • When rolling out your dough, use the reserved 1/2 cup of flour to avoid sticking.
  • Let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place for the best results.

Variations:

  • Pecan Delight: Add chopped pecans to the filling for an added crunch.
  • Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel on top of the frosting and sprinkle with sea salt.

Where do you serve these awesome cinnamon rolls?

I prefer to make a day of it. I will make the dough in the morning and let it rise for about an hour or so, then roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Slice into strips vertically taking care not to squish the dough.

These are great for the holidays and celebrations. We love to make them during the holiday season. My kids are always excited when they are making breakfast because they know these are coming!

  • Perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
  • An impressive dessert at dinner parties.
  • Lovely as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Storage:

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
  • Refrigerate for longer shelf life and warm before serving.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them:

  • Dry Rolls: Ensure your milk isn’t too hot which can kill the yeast. Follow rising times closely.
  • Too Sticky Dough: Use the reserved flour when rolling out the dough.
  • Uneven Cooking: Make sure to place the rolls with enough space between them for even baking.

I think one of the most important things is to glaze with icing or frosting, whatever you like best. I would also recommend letting them cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. We usually serve this with a side of scrambled eggs and bacon for a great family breakfast.

Making This Recipe with Kids:

  • Let them help with crushing the freeze-dried apples.
  • Kids can spread the filling onto the rolled-out dough.
  • They’ll love drizzling the frosting once the rolls are baked!

Topping Options:

  • Whipped Cream: A dollop adds richness.
  • Caramel Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness.
  • Fresh Apple Slices: For a fresh bite and visual appeal.

Why This Recipe Works:

The harmonious blend of apple and cinnamon encapsulates the essence of fall. The soft, fluffy dough paired with a rich cream cheese frosting creates layers of texture and flavor. Every bite is a symphony of sweet and savory, making it irresistibly delightful.

Ingredients for cinnamon roll dough

  • 1 cup warm milk (should be warm to the touch not hot)
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 2 large eggs, brought to room temperature *see notes on egg safety
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (reserved)

filling ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 (1.25 oz) packet freeze-dried cinnamon apple slices crushed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed (reserved for after 2nd rising)

frosting ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

topping

  • 1 green granny smith apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter 

The filling, the frosting and of course the fresh apples make this cinnamon buns recipe top notch! Instead of apple pie spice you will be using fresh apples in the apple mixture. This cinnamon roll recipe is an easy breakfast casserole with a delicious apple filling and the house smells phenomenal!

The cream cheese frosting for these apple cinnamon rolls can also make this an amazing dessert! These are better than regular cinnamon rolls, because they bring the traditional apple pie taste!

What are some other amazing cinnamon roll recipes to try?

If you are looking for a full list of fun and delicious sweet breakfast recipes be sure to check out this list –> The Best Sweet Breakfast Recipes!

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch
Yield: 8-12 servings

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls From Scratch

This amazing apple pie cinnamon rolls recipe will become your new favorite breakfast or even dessert recipe!

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
  • 1 cup warm milk (should be warm to the touch not hot)
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 2 large eggs, brought to room temperature *see notes on egg safety 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (reserved)
  • filling
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 (1.25 oz) packet freeze-dried cinnamon apple slices crushed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed (reserved for after 2nd rising) frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • topping
  • 1 green granny smith apple, cored and chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/3 packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Add yeast and warm milk to the bowl of a stand mixer.
  2. Add the eggs, melted butter (make sure its not HOT) and sugar to the bowl. Whisk together or use the paddle attachment to combine.
  3. Add in the salt and four cups of flour.
  4. Using the paddle attachment, mix until just incorporated.
  5. Let sit for five mins so the flour can absorb the liquid
  6. Change the handle from the paddle to the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 5-7 mins.
  7. The dough will still stick to the sides of the bowl, but should still hold shape. If it does not add in the reserved 1/2 cup of flour.
  8. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray, add the dough to it and cover with a cloth.
  9. Allow to rise in a warm place for 35-40 mins (or until doubled in size)
  10. While the dough is rising, make the filling.
  11. Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and mix well together.
  12. (I crushed the freeze-dried fruit in a food processor)
  13. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface.
  14. Roll the dough to a 24*15" rectangle.
  15. Drop dollops of the filling all over the dough, then spread it evenly over the top surface of the dough.
  16. (if it cools off too much you can make it soft by warming it in the microwave for 15 seconds)
  17. Starting on the long end, roll the dough up tightly jelly-roll style.
  18. Cut into 12 slices and place into prepared pan
  19. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  20. Cover the pan and allow the apple pie cinnamon rolls to rise for 20 minutes or until nearly double.
  21. Pour the 1/2 cup heavy cream over the rolls right before baking.
  22. Bake for 20-25 mins until the rolls are lightly golden brown and the center is cooked through.
  23. While baking prepare frosting and or apple pie topping.

Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat until combined.
  2. Topping
  3. In a small saucepan add butter, apples, brown sugar, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Once all the sugar is completely melted, pour it into a bowl and let cool.
  4. Remove the rolls from the oven. Top with cream cheese allowing it to melt over the top. Add apple pie filling, serve and enjoy warm!

Notes

If the dough does not double in size by the 40 min mark, place it in a warmer space for 10 additional min. If it is still not rising your yeast is not activated and the dough should be discarded.
I typically turn on the oven and place the bowl on the back burner to allow the dough to rise.

Nutrition Information

Yield

12

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 629Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 17gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 120mgSodium 275mgCarbohydrates 87gFiber 3gSugar 49gProtein 9g

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