Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, its soft dough enveloping a sweet, spiced apple filling. This delightful fusion is none other than Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, a comforting and decadent treat that perfectly marries two classic desserts: cinnamon rolls and apple pie. The appeal of this recipe lies not only in its delicious flavor but also in the warm, nostalgic feelings it evokes. Picture family gatherings, cozy autumn afternoons, or the simple pleasure of enjoying a homemade pastry.

Discover the magic of homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with this delightful recipe that combines the best of two beloved desserts. Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls envelop a spiced apple filling, creating a treat perfect for cozy gatherings. This blog offers a step-by-step guide, ensuring both seasoned bakers and novices can achieve delicious results. Complete with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these rolls are a must-try for any baking enthusiast looking to impress!

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast

½ cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

2 large eggs

For the Apple Filling:

3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Cinnamon Roll Topping:

½ cup brown sugar, packed

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until the dough begins to come together. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Make the Apple Filling:

- In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Roll Out the Dough:

- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 15x20 inches.

Add the Toppings:

- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Evenly distribute the apple filling over the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Roll and Cut:

- Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish.

Second Rise:

- Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Bake the Rolls:

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:

- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.

Glaze the Rolls:

- Once the rolls are baked, let them cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese glaze over the top.

Serve and Enjoy:

- Serve warm and enjoy the delightful mix of apple pie flavors and the comforting texture of cinnamon rolls!

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Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 12 rolls