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
Scale
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
