Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 240 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 270 min
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the comforting flavors of apple pie with soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. They feature diced Granny Smith apples and apple butter for a deliciously spiced, moist filling that brings a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them an irresistible treat for holiday mornings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling

  • 2 medium Granny smith apples, diced
  • 1/4 cup apple butter
  • 3 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

Dough

  • 3 3/4 cups bread flour (3/4 cup for tangzhong + 3 2/3 cups)
  • 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 (prepared separately from 1/4 cup bread flour and 3/4 cup water)

Filling

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk 1/4 cup bread flour with 3/4 cup water until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  2. Make the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, apple butter, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons water, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Simmer for 5 minutes until apples soften. Mix 2 teaspoons water with cornstarch and add to apple mixture. Stir for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Add wet ingredients and the cooled tangzhong to dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the Filling Mixture: Mix together 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined and spreadable.
  6. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dough. Then, spoon the cooled apple filling evenly on top.
  7. Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  8. Second Rise: Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving small gaps between. Cover loosely and let rise for another 45-60 minutes until puffy.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If tops brown too quickly, tent with foil in last 10 minutes.
  10. Prepare the Frosting: Using a mixer, beat 4 tablespoons unsalted butter with cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then beat in heavy cream and apple butter until fluffy.
  11. Frost and Serve: Allow rolls to cool for 10-15 minutes before spreading cream cheese frosting generously on each roll. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • These apple cinnamon rolls are perfect for holiday breakfasts, offering soft texture, warm spices, and a tangy apple butter filling, evoking the flavor of apple pie in a roll.
  • Measure bread flour by spooning it lightly into the measuring cup and leveling it off for accuracy.
  • Allowing the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment improves the texture and flavor of the rolls.
  • Using Granny Smith apples provides a nice tartness that complements the sweet cinnamon and sugar.
  • For best results, frost the rolls while they are still slightly warm so the frosting melts slightly into the rolls.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 465
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 252 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 67 mg

Find it online: https://lazydayrecipes.com/apple-pie-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/