Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and creamy frosting, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 7 large apples, peeled & diced adds moisture and sweetness
- 1/4 cup salted butter contributes richness
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed enhances sweetness and depth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice adds acidity and brightness
- 2.5 tsp cinnamon brings warm spice flavor
- 1 tsp nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic quality
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves introduces a warm, slightly sweet spice
- 1/4 tsp allspice offers a nuanced spice blend
- pinch salt balances sweetness
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract enhances flavor complexity
- 2 tsp corn starch thickens filling
- 2 tsp water helps activate cornstarch
Dough
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted creates a rich dough
- 1 cup warm milk hydrates and enriches the dough
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten binds ingredients and enriches texture
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar sweetens the dough
- 2.5 tsp instant yeast leavens the dough
- 3/4 tsp salt enhances flavor
- 4 cups all-purpose flour provides structure
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour used for rolling and dusting
Crisp Topping
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats adds texture and nutty flavor
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed sweeter topping
- 1/8 tsp salt balances sweetness
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon adds flavor to topping
- 1/4 cup salted butter, cold creates a crumbly texture
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup salted butter, very softened incorporates easily into filling
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed adds a deep, rich sweetness
- 2 tsp cinnamon infuses the filling with warm spice
- pinch salt enhances flavor
Apple Cider Caramel Sauce
- 2 tbsp boiled apple cider adds apple flavor intensity
- 1 tsp vanilla extract rounds out the flavors
- 2 tbsp heavy cream adds moisture to caramel
Frosting
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened creates a smooth frosting
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed sweetens frosting
- 2 tbsp cinnamon flavors frosting
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg adds warmth to frosting
- 1/3 cup heavy cream adds a rich texture
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened creates a smooth, tangy frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar sweetens and thickens frosting
- 1 tsp vanilla extract enhances frosting flavor
- pinch salt balances sweetness
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon adds warmth to frosting
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream adjusts frosting consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by making the apple filling and topping. In a medium pan over medium-high heat, combine the diced apples with the butter, light brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, allspice, salt, vanilla extract, corn starch, and water. Stir and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the apples reach your desired tenderness.
- Next, prepare the dough by using a stand mixer. Combine the melted butter, warm milk, beaten eggs, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt in the bowl. Gradually add the flour and mix until everything is well combined. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes, then knead until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Allow the dough to rise in a greased bowl for one hour, until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 350°F. To make the crisp topping, whisk together the flour, oats, dark brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Once prepared, spread this crumbly mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 16 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden.
- For the apple cider caramel sauce, combine the boiled apple cider, vanilla extract, and heavy cream in a bowl. Mix the ingredients well, then spread the resulting sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 pan, creating a flavorful base for the rolls.
- Moving on to the cinnamon filling, combine the very softened butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Use a spatula to mix everything thoroughly until it is well combined, creating a smooth filling that will enhance the rolls.
Assembly
- Now it's time to assemble the rolls. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it's about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, followed by the apple filling. Carefully slice the dough into individual rolls and roll them up tightly, placing each roll in the prepared pan. After assembling, let the rolls rise again for about 30 to 40 minutes to allow them to puff up.
- Before baking, pour the heavy cream gently over the rolls to keep them moist during baking. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 40 to 46 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Frosting
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. Mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the additional cinnamon in a bowl until all ingredients are well combined and the texture is smooth.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the frosting over the warm rolls. Top them off with the apple topping you made earlier and enjoy this comforting dessert.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients, be patient with rising times, and avoid overbaking.