There’s something magical about the aroma of apple pie cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: warm, gooey cinnamon rolls swirled with sweet apple filling, all drizzled with a creamy glaze that beckons you to take a bite. Each roll is a delightful hug for your taste buds, making it impossible to resist. You can almost hear the angels singing as the flavors meld together in perfect harmony.

These apple pie cinnamon rolls are not just a treat; they’re an experience, calling to mind cozy family gatherings and lazy Sunday mornings. I remember the first time I made these; my kids’ eyes lit up like Christmas morning when they got a whiff of those heavenly scents. Perfect for brunch or dessert, they set the stage for sweet moments shared with loved ones.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These apple pie cinnamon rolls are easy to make and require minimal ingredients
- The flavor profile combines familiar apple pie spices with soft, fluffy dough
- Their visual appeal will impress anyone at your breakfast table, making them perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence
- Once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
I still chuckle when I think about the first batch I made; let’s just say we had a bit of a flour explosion in the kitchen!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the dough; choose unbleached for better texture and flavor.
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Active Dry Yeast: Ensure it’s fresh for maximum rise; it makes all the difference in fluffiness.
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Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
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Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
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Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess that enriches the dough.
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Butter: Unsalted works best; it provides richness without overwhelming saltiness.
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Apples: Granny Smith apples give that perfect tartness; peel and chop them finely.
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Cinnamon: The star of this recipe! It adds warmth and depth of flavor.
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Brown Sugar: For that caramelized sweetness in the filling; light or dark both work well.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash in the glaze elevates every bite into pure bliss.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Activate the Yeast: Warm your milk to about 110°F (43°C) and stir in sugar before adding yeast. Let it sit until foamy—about five minutes—indicating it’s alive and ready.
Prepare the Dough : In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add melted butter along with activated yeast mixture. Stir until combined into a sticky dough.
Knead Like Your Life Depends on It : Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Your arms might get tired but think of those delicious rolls!
Let it Rise : Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled—about 1 hour. Use this time to contemplate life choices or binge-watch your favorite show.
Create Your Filling : While waiting, mix chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl. The heavenly scent will have you dreaming of autumn.
Roll it Out : Once dough has risen, punch it down (yes, really!) and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle—about 16 x 12 inches. Spread softened butter over it followed by your apple mixture.
Now comes the fun part! Roll up tightly from one long side to another like you’re rolling up your favorite blanket after movie night.
**Slice & Bake**: Cut into 12 equal rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife (the floss method is super fun!). Place them snugly in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for about 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C).
**Glaze Time**: As they bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown, whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract for an irresistible glaze that brings everything together once they come out of the oven.
Your kitchen will smell divine as these little pieces of heaven cool down just enough so you don’t burn your tongue (but who are we kidding?).
As you savor each bite of these luscious apple pie cinnamon rolls, remember that every roll is filled not just with apples but also with love—and maybe some spills along the way! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- The apple pie cinnamon rolls offer a delightful twist on classic desserts
- Warm, gooey, and fragrant, they’re perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day
- Don’t forget to share them; your friends will love you for it!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough first, then make the apple filling while it rises for optimal results. This sequence keeps everything fresh and flavorful.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the apples for pears or add nuts for extra crunch. Customize the icing with maple syrup to enhance the flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm and gooey again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect rolls, ensure your dough is well-kneaded to achieve that fluffy texture
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor
- Let the rolls cool completely before icing to prevent melting
Baking these apple pie cinnamon rolls always brings back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and sweetness. My grandma used to make them every Sunday, and they were gone before you knew it!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought dough for apple pie cinnamon rolls?
Yes, using store-bought dough can save time and still yield delicious results.
How do I know when my rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed.
Can I freeze apple pie cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked rolls and bake them fresh whenever you want a treat.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in the delightful warmth of homemade apple pie cinnamon rolls, where gooey cinnamon swirls meet sweet apple filling, all topped with a creamy glaze. Perfect for brunch or dessert, these rolls evoke cozy memories and are sure to impress family and friends alike. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a heavenly treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Warm milk to about 110°F (43°C), stir in sugar, add yeast, and let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
- Prepare the Dough: Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Make a well, add melted butter and the yeast mixture. Stir until combined into a sticky dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer to a floured surface, knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it Rise: Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Create Filling: Combine chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Roll it Out: Roll the risen dough into a rectangle (16 x 12 inches). Spread softened butter over it and add the apple mixture.
- Slice & Bake: Roll tightly, slice into 12 rolls, place in a greased baking dish, let rise for another 30 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract; drizzle over cooled rolls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (90g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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