Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are like a warm hug in dessert form. Picture this: soft and fluffy rolls filled with sweet cinnamon goodness and slathered with tender slices of tart apples, all drizzled with a creamy glaze! It’s a combination of two beloved pastries that brings joy to any brunch table or cozy afternoon snack. I remember the first time I made these divine rolls; my kitchen was filled with a heavenly aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, and I knew I’d stumbled onto something truly special.
Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than this. Whether you’re looking to impress at a family gathering or treat yourself on a lazy Sunday morning, these apple pie cinnamon rolls are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home!
What’s in Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our dough. I usually go for a good quality brand like King Arthur or Gold Medal. The key is to use the right flour to ensure your rolls are soft and fluffy!
Active Dry Yeast: Fresh yeast makes all the difference in getting that perfect rise. A little tip from me: always check the expiration date before using it; dead yeast is not going to help your rolls!
Milk: Warm milk adds richness and helps activate the yeast. I personally love using whole milk, but 2% works too—you just want something creamy.
Sugar: We’ll use sugar in both the dough and the filling to sweeten up these rolls. I like using granulated sugar for the dough and brown sugar for that deep flavor in the filling.
Butter: Trust me on this one—the more, the better! You’ll need it for the dough and a little more for that extra buttery filling.
Cinnamon: The star of the show! Don’t skimp here; good quality cinnamon elevates everything. I always opt for Ceylon cinnamon because of its warm, sweet flavor.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but feel free to mix it up with Gala or Honeycrisp if you prefer a sweeter roll.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla takes the flavor to the next level. I use pure vanilla extract whenever possible.
Confectioners’ Sugar: This is for the creamy glaze, which adds that indulgent touch. Blend it with a bit of milk and vanilla to create the perfect drizzle.
Is Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest—these rolls are a bit of a treat, so they should be enjoyed in moderation. Here’s what you need to know:
Whole grains: If you want to add some health benefits, you can swap a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
Apples: Apples do bring a nice dose of vitamins and fiber to the table, making this dessert slightly more wholesome!
Butter and Sugar: These are high in calories and fat, so if you’re watching your intake, consider using applesauce or Greek yogurt in some recipes as a substitute, though I haven’t tried that here yet!
Enjoy these rolls as a special treat rather than an everyday snack for a balanced diet!
Ingredients
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
– 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp cinnamon (plus more for the filling)
– 3-4 cups thinly sliced apples (like Granny Smith)
– 1 cup brown sugar (for the filling)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)
– 2-3 tbsp milk (for glaze)
This recipe makes about 12 rolls, perfect for sharing… or not!
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Create a well in the center to add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
7. Spread softened butter on the dough, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top.
8. Add the thinly sliced apples in an even layer across the sugar and cinnamon.
9. Roll the dough tightly from the long end into a log shape. Pinch the seams to seal.
10. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
12. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
13. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the top.
Rolling in the Sweetness: Tips and Tricks
– Feeling adventurous? Add a sprinkle of nuts or raisins into the filling for extra texture.
– Serve these rolls warm for the ultimate gooey experience!
– If you have leftovers (which I’m not sure you will!), they can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the warmth.
I can’t wait for you to try these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls! They are a delicious blend of flavors and textures that will surely become a favorite. Make sure to share your baking adventures and let me know how much you and your loved ones enjoyed them! Happy baking!
