Description
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic flavors of apple pie with soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls, all topped with creamy, luscious cream cheese icing. A perfect treat for breakfast or dessert that’s bursting with warm spices, tender diced apples, and sweet cinnamon sugar rolled into every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 package yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Apple Pie Filling
- 5 Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
Roll Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon apple spice (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Make Dough: Combine lukewarm water, 1/4 cup sugar, and yeast in a small bowl; let sit for 5-6 minutes until bubbly and yeast activates. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, warm milk, and salt. Add the yeast mixture. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of flour, then another cup. Switch to a wooden spoon as mixture thickens, and add remaining flour until fully combined.
- Knead and Proof Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and keep in a warm place (such as a turned-off oven or microwave) for 90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Prepare Apple Filling: While the dough rises, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 tablespoons melted butter, then the peeled and diced apples and 1/2 cup sugar. Sauté until apples are lightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Roll Out Dough and Add Fillings: After dough has risen, punch it down and roll onto a floured surface into a 16×24 inch rectangle. Spread 2 tablespoons room temperature butter evenly over dough leaving a 1/2-inch border. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional apple spice, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough. Spread the apple mixture over the sugar layer.
- Form Rolls and Second Proof: Roll the dough lengthwise into a 24-inch log. Cut into 2-inch slices for 12 rolls or 3-inch slices for 8 larger rolls. Place rolls on a parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan about 1 inch apart. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) about 20 minutes before baking. Bake rolls for 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool at least 15 minutes before frosting.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, room temperature butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients where noted for better dough texture and easier mixing.
- Proofing dough in a warm but turned-off oven helps speed yeast activation.
- If apple spice is unavailable, substitute with a mix of nutmeg and allspice.
- Adjust sugar in the filling to taste depending on apple sweetness.
- Let rolls cool slightly before frosting to prevent frosting from melting off.
- These cinnamon rolls can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, cream cheese frosting, baked breakfast pastries, apple cinnamon rolls
