These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional rolls, combining the flavors of apple pie with the soft, fluffy goodness of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon treat, these rolls are sure to impress. Their gooey apple filling and warm spices make them a standout dish for fall gatherings or cozy family breakfasts. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to whip up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will adore.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a casual tea time, these rolls fit right in.
- Versatile Filling Options: Feel free to mix up the apple varieties or add nuts and raisins for added texture.
- Gooey Goodness: The sticky, sweet filling ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious apple pie cinnamon rolls, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without making a mess.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to ensure perfect cinnamon rolls.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet guarantees even cooking and easy transfer to and from the oven.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp instant dry yeast
- 120 g sugar
- 240 ml lukewarm milk
- 60 g unsalted melted butter cooled to room temperature
- 1 egg at room temperature
- ½ tsp vanilla extract or essence
For the Apple Filling
- 900 g apples (I like to use Pink Lady, Fuji or Royal Gala)
- 60 g unsalted butter
- 170 g brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine lukewarm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over it and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and activated yeast mixture. Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
While the dough rises, peel and chop your apples into small pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water. Cook for about 5 minutes until apples soften slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Roll Out Dough
Once risen, punch down your dough gently. On a floured surface, roll it into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough.
Step 5: Form Cinnamon Rolls
Starting from one long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll up the dough tightly into a log shape. Cut into equal pieces (about 10 rolls) using dental floss or a sharp knife.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel again and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake rolls for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top.
Step 8: Serve
Let cool slightly before serving warm with icing drizzled on top if desired! Enjoy your homemade apple pie cinnamon rolls!
How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Apple pie cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat for breakfast or brunch. Their gooey, sweet filling and fluffy dough make them perfect for sharing with family and friends.
With Cream Cheese Frosting
- A rich cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the rolls. Simply mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla.
Accompanied by Fresh Berries
- Serve these cinnamon rolls with a side of fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. Their tartness balances the sweetness perfectly.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- For an indulgent touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top. This enhances the apple flavor and adds extra sweetness.
Paired with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy your apple pie cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage complements the cinnamon rolls beautifully.
Served Warm
- Always serve these rolls warm for the best experience. The gooey filling tastes even better when they are fresh out of the oven.
How to Perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Perfecting apple pie cinnamon rolls is all about attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to help you achieve fluffy, delicious results.
Knead Thoroughly: Make sure to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, giving your rolls structure.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a uniform dough that rises well.
Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow your dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This is crucial for fluffy cinnamon rolls.
Cut Evenly: When slicing your rolls, use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Uneven pieces can bake inconsistently.
Experiment with Apples: Try different types of apples for varying sweetness and texture. Pink Lady, Fuji, or Royal Gala work well for this recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Pairing side dishes with apple pie cinnamon rolls can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing contrast.
- Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness.
- Sausage Links: Savory sausage links complement the sweet flavors of the rolls nicely.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal can add heartiness to your breakfast spread.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon pairs well with sweet cinnamon rolls.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad offers freshness and lightness alongside rich cinnamon flavors.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory bite that contrasts well with sweet treats.
- Chia Seed Pudding: For a healthy option, chia pudding adds texture and nutrition without overpowering the flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding mistakes can make your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfect. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:
- Incorrect yeast activation: Not activating the yeast properly can lead to flat rolls. Always check if your yeast is fresh and bubbly before mixing it with other ingredients.
- Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can make the rolls dense instead of fluffy. Mix until just combined and smooth.
- Skipping the resting time: Not allowing the dough to rise sufficiently can hinder its fluffiness. Be patient and let it double in size for the best results.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little flour can affect texture. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
- Using cold apples: Cold apples can cause inconsistent cooking. Make sure they are at room temperature for even baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious flavor.
Reheating Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one roll at a time for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls.
Can I use different types of apples?
You can absolutely use any type of apple you prefer! Tart varieties like Granny Smith balance well with sweetness.
How do I make the apple filling more flavorful?
Consider adding spices such as nutmeg or cloves to enhance the flavor of your apple filling.
Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling, then refrigerate it overnight before baking them fresh in the morning.
What should I do if my rolls don’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and that you’re allowing enough time for rising. Warm environments help activate the yeast better.
Are there any variations I can try?
Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even a cream cheese frosting for extra flavor!
Final Thoughts
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them with various fruits or toppings to suit your taste. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delightful treat that adds warmth and comfort to any breakfast or brunch!
Desserts & Sweets
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie with the fluffy goodness of cinnamon rolls, making them a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch table. These gooey rolls are filled with sweet apples, warm spices, and a hint of vanilla, creating an irresistible treat that will impress family and friends. Not only are they easy to make, but they also fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma that signals the arrival of fall. Perfect for cozy gatherings or as an afternoon snack, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your home.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp instant dry yeast
- 120 g sugar
- 240 ml lukewarm milk
- 60 g unsalted melted butter
- 1 egg
- 900 g apples (Pink Lady, Fuji, or Royal Gala)
- 170 g brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining lukewarm milk and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast over it and let sit until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add activated yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Prepare the apple filling by cooking chopped apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water until softened.
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle and spread apple filling evenly on top. Roll tightly into a log and cut into equal pieces.
- Place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts & Sweets
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying sweetness. Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture. For an indulgent touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the baked rolls before serving.
