Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the soft, sweet goodness of cinnamon rolls, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are not just a dessert; they’re a warm hug in pastry form. Imagine waking up to the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your home—pure bliss!

This recipe is versatile and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch, a family gathering, or even just to spoil yourself on a busy weekday. Trust me, once you try these rolls, they will become a cherished favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: The steps are simple enough for beginner bakers, so you can whip these up without any fuss.
• Deliciously cozy: The combination of warm spices and tender apples makes every bite comforting and satisfying.
• Perfect for sharing: With 12 generous servings, these rolls are great for breakfast gatherings or brunch parties.
• Make ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance, saving time on the day you plan to enjoy them!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet apple filling and creamy frosting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these scrumptious rolls is easy with simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Apple Filling:

• 1 2/3 cups diced Gala apple
• 1/4 cup apple butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup bread flour
• 3 2/3 cups bread flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Tangzhong (from recipe above)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons apple butter

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans to give your rolls a delightful crunch.
• Try different fruits: Swap out Gala apples for Granny Smith or even pears for a unique twist.
• Change the spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom to add an unexpected depth of flavor.
• Use different frostings: Instead of cream cheese frosting, drizzle over a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by combining your diced Gala apples with apple butter, granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, fine sea salt, extra water, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook this mixture over medium heat until it thickens and becomes bubbly. This step is crucial as it softens the apples and enhances their natural sweetness while creating that lovely pie-like filling that will ooze out when you roll up your dough!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In another bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of bread flour. Then heat it gently until it thickens—this is called Tangzhong and helps keep your dough fluffy and moist. In a large mixing bowl, combine more bread flour with granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add in your milk, cream, egg, vanilla extract, Tangzhong mixture, and room-temperature butter. Knead this until smooth; it’s important because kneading develops gluten which gives your rolls their wonderful texture!

Step 3: Let It Rise

Once kneaded into a soft ball, place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about an hour. This step is essential as it makes your rolls light and airy.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

After rising, roll out your dough into a rectangle shape. Spread softened unsalted butter across its surface before sprinkling brown sugar mixed with cinnamon on top. Then spoon on your delicious apple filling evenly across the dough. Roll everything up tightly from one end to another. This creates those beautiful swirls we all love!

Step 5: Bake Your Rolls

Cut your rolled dough into equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Let them rise again for about half an hour before baking at 350°F (175°C) for around 30 minutes until golden brown. This final rise ensures that each roll is fluffy and filled with delightful flavors.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While they bake away blissfully in the oven, whip together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar followed by heavy cream and apple butter until you reach that dreamy frosting consistency.

Step 7: Frost & Enjoy!

Once baked to golden perfection let them cool slightly before slathering on that luscious cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy every last bite!

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are sure to be loved by everyone who gets their hands on them—happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Making these delightful rolls can be a breeze if you follow a few simple tips. Here are some ways to ensure your Apple Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh apples not only add a juicy texture but also enhance the flavor of your rolls. Gala apples are sweet and hold their shape well, making them an ideal choice.

• Don’t rush the dough: Allowing the dough to rise properly is essential for fluffy rolls. Be patient during the proofing stage; this allows the yeast to do its magic, resulting in wonderfully light cinnamon rolls.

• Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature milk, cream, and eggs helps the ingredients to combine more smoothly. This results in a more uniform dough and better overall texture in your rolls.

• Make ahead options: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time. Refrigerate them overnight, then let them come to room temperature before baking for a warm, fresh treat whenever you need it.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or even add nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist! Tailoring the spices to your taste can elevate these rolls to new heights!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Presentation is key when serving these scrumptious rolls! Whether it’s a brunch gathering or a cozy dessert at home, here are some ideas on how to beautifully showcase your Apple Cinnamon Rolls.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of your frosting for added crunch and flavor.
• Caramel drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce adds both beauty and decadence, enhancing that apple pie experience.
• Fresh apple slices: Thinly sliced apples on top can add color and freshness while reinforcing the apple theme.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the rolls while keeping things light.
• Greek yogurt: A dollop of plain or flavored Greek yogurt provides a creamy contrast that balances out the sweetness.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing these rolls with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a comforting breakfast or brunch option.
• Scrambled eggs: For those looking for something savory alongside their sweet treat, fluffy scrambled eggs make an excellent side dish.

Enjoy your baking adventure with these delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling! They’re sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch with minimal effort on busy mornings. Here’s how to store and enjoy them later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the rolls for up to a week. Just make sure they’re covered properly to prevent drying out.

Freezing

• Allow the rolls to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label your bags with the date.

Reheating

• To reheat, unwrap the rolls and place them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For individual servings, microwave each roll for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling.

Can I use other types of apples for the filling?

Absolutely! While Gala apples work wonderfully, you can also use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that different apples may affect the sweetness and texture of your filling.

How can I make my Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling even more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling, or experimenting with spices such as nutmeg or allspice. A drizzle of caramel sauce on top after frosting adds an extra touch!

Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Assemble your rolls, then cover them and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat!

What serves best alongside these rolls?

These delightful rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea! If you’re feeling indulgent, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling! The combination of soft dough filled with sweet apple goodness and topped with creamy frosting is truly something special. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to bring warmth and happiness to your table. Enjoy every bite and share your creations; I can’t wait to hear how they turned out!