Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls (Printable)

Warm cinnamon rolls swirled with spiced apples and a luscious vanilla glaze—perfect for dessert lovers.

# Components:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 3/4 cup whole milk, lukewarm
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs

→ Apple Filling

08 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, diced
09 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 - 1/3 cup brown sugar
11 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 - Pinch of salt

→ Cinnamon Sugar

16 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
17 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

→ Vanilla Glaze

18 - 1 cup powdered sugar
19 - 2 tablespoons milk
20 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Method:

01 - Combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together lukewarm whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and eggs until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir until the dough becomes soft. Knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and allow to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in volume.
02 - Melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and the filling thickens. Set aside to cool completely.
03 - Roll the risen dough on a lightly floured surface to a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread cooled apple filling evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apple layer. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log evenly into 12 rolls.
04 - Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes, or until the rolls have puffed.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the risen rolls for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
06 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth glaze forms. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls directly before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses basic pantry ingredients found at any grocery store
  • Soft and fluffy texture with juicy apple pieces inside
  • Ideal for making ahead so you can bake fresh rolls in the morning
  • No fancy stand mixer needed just a little patience and a good knead
02 -
  • High in fiber thanks to the apple filling
  • Freezes beautifully for make ahead breakfasts
  • Customizable spice levels to match your taste
03 -
  • If your kitchen is cold proof your dough in an oven with the light on for faster rising
  • Cool apple filling completely before spreading to avoid soggy dough
  • Always sift powdered sugar for the smoothest glaze

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