Description
A cozy mash-up of warm apple pie filling and soft cinnamon rolls, smothered in tangy cream cheese frosting—these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls bring fall comfort straight to your kitchen in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups whole milk (300 ml)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (66 g), divided
- 1½ tbsp active dry yeast (14 g)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (84 g), divided
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 5½ cups all-purpose flour (about 700 g), plus extra for dusting
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 cups chopped apples (about 4 medium apples)
- ½ cup brown sugar (110 g)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (55 g)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup cream cheese, room temperature (256 g)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (84 g)
- 1¾ cups powdered sugar (218 g)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt (for frosting)
Instructions
- Proof the yeast: Warm milk to 110 °F (43 °C). Stir in 2 tbsp sugar and the yeast. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Build the dough: In the mixer bowl, add remaining sugar, 4 tbsp butter, and eggs. Mix briefly, then add 5 cups flour and salt. Switch to dough hook and knead on low 8–10 minutes, adding up to ½ cup more flour if sticky.
- First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 2 hours.
- Make the apple filling: In a saucepan, combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ¼ cup water. Simmer 12–15 minutes until soft. Stir in slurry, cook 1–2 minutes until thick, then chill.
- Prepare cinnamon butter: Mix ½ cup softened butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste.
- Shape rolls & second rise: Punch down dough and roll into a 20×12″ rectangle. Spread cinnamon butter, top with chilled apple filling, then roll tightly into a log. Slice into 12 rolls, place in a greased 9×13″ pan, cover, and let rise 1 hour (or refrigerate overnight and bring to room temperature 2 hours).
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Bake rolls 25–30 minutes until golden at the edges.
- Frost: Beat cream cheese, remaining butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
- Ensure milk is 110 °F for proper yeast activation—too hot will kill the yeast.
- Chill apple filling completely before assembling to prevent soggy dough.
- Use unwaxed dental floss to slice rolls cleanly without squashing them.
- Cover and refrigerate assembled rolls overnight for an easy make-ahead option.
- Protect against soggy bottoms by greasing the pan well or lining with parchment.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours first rise)
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg