Save These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls bring together the gooey spicy magic of cinnamon rolls with the cozy comfort of apple pie. Perfect for fall mornings or when you want to treat your family to something special they have quickly become a must bake in my house. Every swirl is packed with tender apples and warm spices topped with vanilla glaze for that bakery fresh finish.
In my home these rolls are often requested for special birthday breakfasts or lazy Sunday brunches. The scent of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen is nostalgic and utterly inviting.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: provides structure and softness look for unbleached for the best texture
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the dough and supports rising make sure it is fresh and lump free
- Instant yeast: quickly leavens the dough check the expiration date to ensure active rising
- Salt: enhances all flavors do not skip this step
- Whole milk: gives richness use milk at room temperature for faster rising
- Unsalted butter: adds buttery flavor and tenderness use high quality butter for best flavor
- Large eggs: bind the dough for a soft and stretchy texture choose fresh eggs from local farms if possible
- Diced apples: create the signature pie filling crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape best
- Brown sugar: enriches the filling and caramel flavors press out lumps before using
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: offer warmth and a deep spice note select fresh spices for best aroma
- All-purpose flour: thickens the apple filling just enough to prevent sogginess
- Vanilla extract: infuses sweet fragrant notes choose pure extract for a natural finish
- A pinch of salt: brightens the apple flavor and balances sweetness
- Extra brown sugar and cinnamon: are mixed and sprinkled for the traditional swirl that is essential to cinnamon rolls
- Powdered sugar: makes the glaze silky smooth always sift to remove clumps
- More milk: creates a pourable yet thick glaze best at room temperature
- Vanilla extract: deepens the glaze flavor one more hint of that bakery touch
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl whisk together flour sugar salt and yeast. In a separate bowl whisk warm milk melted butter and eggs until blended and smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients mix with a sturdy spoon or your hands until a soft shaggy dough comes together. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for eight to ten minutes adding flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl cover tightly and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour until doubled in size.
- Make the Apple Filling:
- While the dough rises melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg flour vanilla and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly as the apples soften and the sugar creates a thick syrup about five to seven minutes. The filling is done when apples are tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before using.
- Shape the Rolls:
- On a lightly floured counter roll out the dough into a large rectangle around sixteen by twelve inches. Spread the cooled apple mixture evenly over the dough right up to the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix evenly across the apples. Starting from the long edge closest to you roll up the dough into a tight log keeping the filling inside. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into twelve even pieces.
- Second Rise:
- Arrange each roll cut side up in a greased nine by thirteen inch baking dish giving them a little space to expand. Cover loosely with plastic or a clean towel and set aside for forty five minutes until puffed and touching.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the risen rolls in the center of the oven for about twenty two to twenty five minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through. The tops should spring back when touched.
- Glaze:
- While the rolls cool slightly whisk together powdered sugar milk and vanilla in a bowl until silky smooth. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls letting it seep into every swirl. Serve immediately for gooey perfection.
Save For me the most nostalgic part is dicing the apples by hand often with my kids at the counter helping and sneaking a slice or two. The finishing drizzle of vanilla glaze always invites a little creative decorating which has become a quirky family tradition.
Storage Tips
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. To reheat microwave individual rolls for about twenty seconds or warm them in the oven at three hundred degrees for five minutes. Glaze just before serving if storing rolls overnight to keep them moist.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need a dairy free version use plant milk and vegan butter. For egg free rolls try a flaxseed or yogurt substitute. Swap all purpose flour for gluten free blend if needed but expect softer rolls. For a nutty twist add a handful of chopped toasted pecans with the apples.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls shine at brunch spreads beside a hot mug of coffee or spiced cider. Top with extra glaze right before serving or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert worthy upgrade. I love packing a few rolls in a basket to share at potlucks or bake sales they never last long.
Cultural Context
Cinnamon rolls have roots in Scandinavian baking traditions while apple pie is a classic American symbol of comfort food. This recipe marries the best of both in a new way. The combination feels homey and inventive perfect for autumn gatherings.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use finely diced pears if apples are out of season Try adding dried cranberries in winter for extra color In spring use early season apples with a dash of lemon zest
Success Stories
A rainy day stuck indoors inspired me to invent these rolls for my family using leftover apples. Now it is my go to bake for houseguests and holiday mornings. Friends have told me they make these every Thanksgiving and always get recipe requests.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze make and slice the rolls as directed and arrange in your baking dish. Cover tightly and freeze before the second rise. When ready to bake thaw overnight in the fridge let rise on the counter for one hour then bake and glaze as usual.
Save With each warm bite of these rolls you get a burst of cozy flavor and memory. They turn any morning into a special occasion.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of apples work best?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples offer a nice balance—Granny Smith brings tartness while Honeycrisp adds sweetness.
- → Can the rolls be made ahead?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the shaped rolls before the final rise. Finish and bake in the morning for fresh taste.
- → Is there a way to add crunch to the filling?
Chopped toasted pecans can be stirred into the apple filling for texture and extra flavor.
- → How do I know when the rolls are ready to bake?
After the second rise, the rolls should look puffed and fill out the baking dish before going in the oven.
- → Can I make these dairy free?
Substitute plant-based butter and milk for dairy versions to make these rolls suitable for a dairy-free diet.
- → What are the main allergens present?
The rolls contain wheat, eggs, and milk. Always check ingredient labels when baking for those with allergies.