Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling

Introduction to Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved comfort food, and when combined with the sweet, spiced goodness of apple pie filling, they become a dessert that’s impossible to resist. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds—soft, gooey rolls filled with warm apples and cinnamon, topped with luscious cream cheese icing. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion, a holiday brunch, or just because you crave something sweet, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

These apple pie cinnamon rolls elevate traditional cinnamon rolls to a whole new level. The combination of tender dough, sweet apples, and rich cinnamon filling creates a dessert that’s not just delicious but also visually appealing. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

Here’s why you’ll love these rolls:

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of the apples, the warmth of the cinnamon, and the tang of the cream cheese icing all come together to create a balanced, harmonious dessert.
Soft and Gooey Texture: These rolls are incredibly soft and gooey on the inside, thanks to the addition of heavy cream during baking, which keeps them moist.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes by adding nuts, changing the filling, or experimenting with different toppings.

For a more comprehensive guide on baking with apples, check out Choosing the Right Apples for Baking, which explains how different varieties can affect the texture and flavor of your rolls.

Ingredients Overview: Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling

Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ingredients for the Dough

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
Active dry yeast: Yeast is essential for leavening, creating the light, fluffy texture of the rolls.
Whole milk: Milk adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
Salted butter: Butter adds flavor and a tender crumb, crucial for the dough’s texture.
White sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps it to brown beautifully during baking.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Large eggs: Eggs add moisture, richness, and help bind the dough.

Apple Pie Filling

Apples (a mix of varieties such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp): Using a mix of tart and sweet apples provides a balanced flavor and texture.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
Flour: Helps thicken the filling, ensuring it stays in place within the rolls.
Salted butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the apples.
Cinnamon: The essential spice that brings warmth and depth to the filling.

Cinnamon Filling

Brown sugar: Sweetens the filling and adds a caramel note.
All-purpose flour: Provides a slight structure to the cinnamon filling, helping it hold together.
Ground cinnamon: Gives the rolls their characteristic flavor and aroma.
Salted butter: Creates a smooth, spreadable paste that’s easy to layer onto the dough.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding depth and a touch of sweetness.

Step-by-Step to Make Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling

Step 1: Preparing the Apple Filling

The apple filling is a key component that sets these rolls apart. Here’s how to make it perfectly:

Cut the Apples: Start by peeling and cutting your apples into small, bite-sized chunks. A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well, as Granny Smith adds tartness while Honeycrisp offers sweetness.
Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft but not mushy. The filling should be thick and syrupy.
Cool Completely: Allow the apple mixture to cool completely before using it in the rolls. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy and ensures the filling stays intact.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Filling:

Use Different Apple Varieties: Combining sweet and tart apples creates a balanced flavor that complements the cinnamon.
Don’t Overcook the Apples: The apples should retain some firmness to prevent them from turning into applesauce.
Cool Thoroughly: Cooling the filling allows it to thicken and avoids excess moisture in the dough.

Step 2: Making the Dough

Creating the perfect dough is essential for soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls. Here’s how to make it:

Activate the Yeast: In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, mix half of the flour with the yeast. Heat the milk, butter, sugar, and salt until they reach about 130°F (warm but not hot).
Combine Ingredients: Add the warm milk mixture to the flour and yeast. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating on high speed for about three minutes. This step creates a soft, sticky dough.
Knead the Dough: Switch to a dough hook and gradually add the remaining flour. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch.
Let It Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Dough Tips:

Temperature Matters: Ensure your liquid ingredients are warm (around 130°F) but not too hot, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
Kneading is Key: Proper kneading develops gluten, which provides structure to the dough and helps it rise.
Give it Time: Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures a light, fluffy texture.

Step 3: Preparing the Cinnamon Filling

The cinnamon filling is what gives these rolls their signature flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, butter, and vanilla extract until a thick, spreadable paste forms.
Spread Evenly: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 14-inch square. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, making sure to cover all edges.

Cinnamon Filling Tips:

Room Temperature Butter: Using softened butter makes it easier to blend and spread the filling evenly.
Adjust the Cinnamon: Feel free to add more or less cinnamon to suit your taste preferences.

Step 4: Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls

The assembly process is where the magic happens. Follow these steps to create beautifully rolled cinnamon buns:

Add the Apple Filling: Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the cinnamon filling.
Roll the Dough: Starting from one side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use gentle pressure to keep the roll even.
Cut into Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 8 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking pan with space between them for rising.
Final Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise again for about 1 hour. This second rise is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture.

Assembly Tips:

Roll Tightly: Rolling tightly ensures that the filling stays inside and the rolls bake evenly.
Cut Evenly: Use a ruler to measure your cuts to ensure even-sized rolls, which will bake uniformly.

Step 5: Final Rise and Baking

Pour Heavy Cream: Pour heavy cream into the bottom of the pan and lightly cover the rolls. This secret step keeps the rolls soft and adds an extra layer of richness.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and bubbling. The rolls should be set but not overly firm.

Baking Tips:

Keep an Eye on the Oven: Every oven is different, so start checking the rolls at the 25-minute mark.
Use Heavy Cream: This step is a game-changer. It not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the rolls stay moist and tender.

Cream Cheese Icing

No cinnamon roll is complete without a generous dollop of cream cheese icing. This icing is creamy, tangy, and perfectly complements the cinnamon and apple flavors.

Ingredients:

Cream cheese: Provides a rich, tangy base for the icing.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing and creates a smooth texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness.
Milk: Thins the icing to your desired consistency.

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fully combined.
Add the vanilla extract and a splash of milk, mixing until the icing is smooth and spreadable.
Spread the icing over the warm rolls, letting it melt slightly for a delicious finish.

Serving and Storage: Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling

These cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the rolls before baking.

Tips for Serving and Storage:

Serve Warm: For the best texture, reheat the rolls briefly in the microwave before serving.
Store Properly: Keep the rolls in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing Tips: Freeze the unbaked rolls after assembling. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise, and then bake as directed.

Variations and Customizations

Add Nuts for Extra Crunch

Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.

Experiment with Different Fillings

While the apple pie filling is a standout, you can swap the apples for blueberries, peaches, or even add a caramel drizzle for a decadent twist.

Try a Savory Version

For a unique spin, try making a savory version with garlic, herbs, and cheese. The dough remains the same, but the filling can be adapted to suit savory tastes.

FAQs about Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling

Can I Use Store-Bought Dough?

Yes, using store-bought dough is a convenient shortcut, but making your own dough adds an authentic, rich flavor and texture.

What’s the Best Apple Type for This Recipe?

A mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works best, providing a perfect balance of flavors.

How Do I Make the Rolls Softer?

Using heavy cream during baking helps keep the rolls incredibly soft and tender.

Can I Freeze These Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and freeze them before the final rise. When you’re ready, thaw, let rise, and bake as directed.

How Long Do the Rolls Stay Fresh?

Stored properly, they will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat briefly in the microwave to restore their soft, gooey texture.

Conclusion

These cinnamon rolls with apple pie filling combine the warm, comforting flavors of two classic desserts in one delightful treat. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday brunch, they’re guaranteed to impress. For more delicious recipes, try pairing these rolls with Tangy Deviled Eggs with Relish or exploring the comforting flavors of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. So gather your ingredients, follow these detailed steps, and enjoy the best cinnamon rolls you’ve ever made. Happy baking!