Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort, you’ve come to the right place. These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are the perfect blend of sweet and spice, making them a family favorite at our house. They’re not just reserved for special occasions; these rolls can brighten up a busy weeknight or make your weekend brunch feel extra special. Plus, who could resist that irresistible aroma wafting through the kitchen as they bake?

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a wonderful way to showcase fresh apples, and there’s something magical about how the flavors come together. The combination of tender apples, cozy cinnamon, and creamy frosting is simply heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with joy.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will adore these rolls! They’re perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when needed.
• Deliciously Flavorful: Each bite bursts with warm cinnamon and sweet apple goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. This recipe focuses on fresh flavors without any fuss!

For the 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)

For the Topping:

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

For the 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

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and fillings.

• Swap the Apples: Use your favorite type of apple or mix several varieties for a unique twist!
• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch to your rolls.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
• Go Vegan: Substitute plant-based milk, cream, and butter to make these rolls vegan-friendly.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by mixing diced apples with apple butter, granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, sea salt, water again, and cornstarch in a bowl. This step allows the apples to soften slightly while soaking up all those delicious flavors. It’s like creating a mini apple pie filling right before your eyes!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In another bowl, combine water with bread flour to create tangzhong. This technique keeps your rolls fluffy and soft. In a large mixing bowl, combine remaining bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, and fine sea salt. Then add whole milk, heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, tangzhong mixture, and room-temperature unsalted butter. Mix until everything is well incorporated for a smooth dough.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Knead your dough on a floured surface until it becomes elastic—about 10 minutes should do it! Place it in a greased bowl covered with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise until it doubles in size. Patience is key here; this step develops flavor and texture.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill

Once risen, roll out your dough into a rectangle shape. Spread that luscious apple filling evenly across the dough before rolling it tightly into a log. This step is crucial for getting those classic swirls we love in cinnamon rolls!

Step 5: Cut Into Rolls

Cut the rolled dough into equal pieces using sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts without squishing them down. Place each roll into a greased baking dish while leaving space between them—these little beauties need room to expand!

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven while letting the rolls rise again briefly if needed—until they puff up nicely. Bake them until golden brown and fragrant fills your kitchen—it usually takes about 30 minutes.

Step 7: Frosting Time!

While your rolls are cooling slightly on a wire rack after baking, whip up that dreamy cream cheese frosting by mixing softened butter and cream cheese until smooth; then gradually add powdered sugar followed by heavy cream and apple butter until creamy.

Now drizzle this glorious frosting over warm rolls—watch how it melts into every crevice! Enjoy every bite of these cozy Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling as they become an instant favorite at your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Making these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling is a delightful adventure, and with a few pro tips, you can take your baking to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, milk, and eggs to room temperature helps create a smoother dough, resulting in lighter, fluffier rolls.

• Don’t skip the Tangzhong: This Japanese technique involves cooking a portion of flour and water to create a roux that keeps the dough moist and tender. It’s what gives these rolls their irresistible texture!

• Let the dough rise properly: Allowing enough time for your dough to rise will give it that beautiful fluffy quality. A warm environment (like an oven with just the light on) works wonders for this step.

• Be generous with the filling: The apple pie filling is the star of this recipe! Don’t be shy—add enough so each bite is bursting with flavor.

• Cool before frosting: Make sure your rolls cool slightly before adding the cream cheese frosting. This prevents it from melting away and gives you that luscious topping we all crave.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Presenting your Apple Cinnamon Rolls can be just as enjoyable as baking them! Here are some fun ideas to serve these delightful treats.

Garnishes

• Chopped walnuts or pecans: A sprinkle of nuts adds a lovely crunch and complements the soft roll texture beautifully.
• Fresh apple slices: Thinly sliced apples not only enhance visual appeal but also bring a fresh flavor that balances the sweetness of the rolls.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt adds a tangy contrast that perfectly offsets the sweetness of the rolls.
• Coffee or tea: A warm beverage like your favorite brew pairs wonderfully, enhancing the cozy experience of enjoying these rolls.
• Fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad adds color to your plate and offers a healthy balance to the rich flavors of the rolls.
• Scrambled eggs: For a heartier breakfast option, serve alongside scrambled eggs for a complete meal that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Enjoy crafting these heavenly rolls and sharing them with friends and family! They’re bound to become a beloved addition to your breakfast or brunch table.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy them fresh throughout the week. With a little planning, you can have these delightful treats ready to go whenever you need a sweet breakfast or snack.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the rolls to cool completely after baking.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they will last for about a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove rolls from the fridge or freezer and place them on a baking sheet.
• Cover loosely with aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the heating time.

FAQs

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

Can I use different types of apples for these cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! While Gala apples work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile.

How can I make these Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance. Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow them to rise before baking!

What’s the best way to store leftovers of Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness. They also freeze well!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling as much as I do! They capture the essence of cozy mornings and sweet indulgences perfectly. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these rolls are sure to bring smiles. Happy baking!