Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the gooey goodness of classic cinnamon rolls with the warm, spiced filling of apple pie. These rolls are soft, buttery, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting—perfect for fall mornings or festive brunch tables.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk 110°F/45°C
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 2 large apples peeled, cored, and diced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Cinnamon Roll Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 –2 tablespoons heavy cream to adjust consistency
Instructions
- Activate Yeast – Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy.
- Make Dough – Combine yeast mixture with butter, vanilla, eggs, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth.
- First Rise – Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Cook Apple Filling – Sauté apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Thicken with flour and cool.
- Make Cinnamon Filling – Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Roll Dough – Punch down dough and roll into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
- Add Fillings – Spread butter, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar, and top with apple mixture.
- Roll and Slice – Roll into a log, cut into 12 rolls, and place in a baking dish. Let rise 30 minutes.
- Bake – Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
- Make Frosting – Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and cream until smooth.
- Frost and Serve – Cool rolls slightly, frost generously, and serve warm.