Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you have a soft spot for warm, gooey treats that bring together the best of fall flavors, then these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the comforting spice of cinnamon rolls, bursting with a luscious apple pie filling, all topped with a buttery streusel and drizzled with a cinnamon-enhanced glaze. This is not just breakfast or dessert; it’s a celebration of everything cozy and delicious wrapped into one irresistible bite. Whether you’re serving them up for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls will fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma and your heart with pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls lies in their simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the cinnamon rolls create a soft, fluffy base, the apple pie filling adds a sweet and tart contrast, the streusel topping brings a delightful crunch, and the icing ties everything together with just the right hint of spice and sweetness. Let’s check out what you’ll need to bring this fantastic recipe to life.
- Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls 5 count: Opt for the larger size for a perfect dough-to-filling ratio that holds all the luscious apple goodness.
- Butter for greasing muffin tin: Ensures your rolls pop out easily and adds richness to every bite.
- 4 large apples (2 Honeycrisp, 2 Granny Smith): Combining these varieties balances sweetness with tartness and keeps the filling flavorful.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness that enhances the apple filling.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: This spice is key for warmth and classic apple pie flavor.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brings a bit of acidity to brighten and prevent apples from browning.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps the filling stay luscious.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 3 tbsp water: Thickens the apple filling to a perfect consistency.
- 5 tbsp butter (partially melted) for streusel: Gives the topping a tender, crumbly texture.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Creates the crumbly base for the streusel topping.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for streusel): Sweetens the crumb topping deeply.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Adds spice that complements the apple filling beautifully.
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for icing): Richness to carry the sweetness of the glaze.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Provides the sweet base to the cinnamon buttery icing.
- 2 tbsp milk: Adjusts the icing to the perfect drizzle consistency.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla: Enhances sweetness and aroma in the icing.
- 1/2-1 tsp cinnamon (for icing): Adds that warm cinnamon kick to finish these rolls perfectly.
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Roll Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees because these rolls bake best when the oven is nice and hot. Use softened butter to generously grease each muffin cup—this is important for easy removal later. Next, press each cinnamon roll into a muffin cup, gently stretching the dough as you work it up the sides. This creates a cozy little nest to hold your apple pie filling. Be mindful not to press too much dough into the bottom or else it will be hard to fit enough filling.
Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling
Peeling and slicing apples into thin, one-inch pieces ensures every bite has just the right texture. Mix these apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, melted butter, and your cornstarch slurry. Warm this mixture gently in the microwave, stirring now and then until the syrup thickens and the apples soften slightly—about two minutes. This step is essential because it melds flavors and gives the filling that perfect, slightly gooey consistency. If you prefer, you can heat the filling on your stove with a saucepan, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Fill the Cinnamon Rolls
Use a slotted spoon to carefully scoop out the apple mixture, allowing excess liquid to drain off so your rolls don’t become soggy. Spoon the filling generously into each dough cavity, filling them up to the top—this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Top with Streusel Crumbs and Bake
Combine all streusel ingredients until you get those irresistible big crumbs perfect for topping. Take generous handfuls and mound the topping over each filled roll, ensuring the apples are mostly covered. Bake for 15 minutes, covering loosely with foil for the first 5 minutes to prevent the topping from burning while allowing the rolls to cook through. Don’t forget to rotate the pan halfway for even baking.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cinnamon Buttery Icing
While your rolls bake and cool just a bit, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and ready to drizzle. Once the rolls have cooled for 5-10 minutes, generously drizzle this luscious icing over the warm Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls and prepare for pure bliss.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
To elevate your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top after icing. Fresh apple slices or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add texture and visual appeal. For a fun twist, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns this treat into an indulgent dessert that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine alongside a simple cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee, making for a heartwarming pairing. A light fruit salad or a glass of crisp apple cider also complements the sweet and spicy notes perfectly without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls in a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment paper creates a cozy, homey vibe. For parties, consider plating them individually with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also turn these into mini handheld bites by cutting rolls in half—perfect for sharing and snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration helps but may slightly dry them out; simply warm before serving to restore softness.
Freezing
These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls will keep for up to 3 months—ideal for prepping ahead for busy mornings or special occasions.
Reheating
To enjoy your rolls fresh from the freezer, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute or warm them in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes. Adding a little extra drizzle of icing after warming will bring back that just-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will add a wonderful personal touch and may enhance the flavor even more, but using Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls keeps this recipe quick and foolproof without sacrificing taste.
What types of apples work best in this recipe?
Using a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples balances sweetness and tartness beautifully, but you can experiment with your favorites as long as they hold their shape when cooked.
Is it okay to make the filling entirely ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple pie filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just be sure to warm it up a bit before filling the rolls to maintain consistency and flavor.
Can I skip the streusel topping?
While the streusel adds a wonderful crunch and texture contrast, you can leave it off for a simpler version. Consider extra icing or some chopped nuts instead.
How do I make the icing thicker or thinner?
Adjust the icing consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or a splash of milk to thin it out until you find the perfect drizzle for your rolls.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls that makes them a standout treat worthy of any cozy morning or celebratory brunch. Their perfect marriage of flavors and textures feels like a warm hug wrapped up in dough. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch as your kitchen transforms into a happy place filled with irresistible apple pie and cinnamon aromas. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to showstopper for friends, family, or just treating yourself!
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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, a perfect fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and homemade apple pie filling. Soft, warm rolls are filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, topped with a buttery streusel, and finished with a luscious cinnamon buttery icing. Ideal for breakfast or a comforting dessert, these rolls are sure to impress with their rich flavors and inviting aroma.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 packs Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls (5 count each, ideally not the small 8 count)
- Butter for greasing muffin tin
Apple Pie Filling
- 4 large apples (2 Honeycrisp and 2 Granny Smith)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 3 tbsp water
Streusel Topping
- 5 tbsp butter, partially melted
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Buttery Icing
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2–1 tsp ground cinnamon (based on preference)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use softened butter to generously grease each muffin cup to prevent sticking.
- Shape Cinnamon Rolls: Press each cinnamon roll into the muffin cups, spreading the dough up the sides to create a cavity in the center for the apple pie filling. Avoid pressing too much dough at the base so you can add enough filling.
- Prepare Apple Pie Filling: Peel, thinly slice, and then dice the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, mix apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, melted butter, and the dissolved cornstarch. Microwave the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens and apples soften, about 2 minutes. Alternatively, heat on the stove in a saucepan.
- Fill Rolls: Using a slotted spoon, scoop the apple mixture, letting some syrup drain off, and fill each cinnamon roll cavity to the top with the apple filling.
- Make Streusel Topping: Combine partially melted butter, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until crumbly with large clumps. Sprinkle generous mounds of streusel over each filled roll, covering most of the apple filling.
- Bake Rolls: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Loosely cover the rolls with foil for the first 5 minutes to prevent over-browning. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Buttery Icing: While rolls bake, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
- Cool and Ice: Once baked, let the rolls cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes to firm up slightly. Drizzle the prepared cinnamon buttery icing generously over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- You can prepare the apple filling a day ahead and reheat before assembling for convenience.
- Adjust cinnamon in the icing to your taste preference; start with 1/2 tsp if unsure.
- Ensure not to overload the bottom of the roll with dough to allow room for ample filling.
- If you prefer a crispier streusel, bake uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Apple Filling, Streusel Topping, Breakfast Rolls, Dessert Rolls, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
