Description
Indulgent apple pie cinnamon rolls blend classic dessert magic with breakfast comfort. Warm spices and sweet apple filling promise a delightful morning treat you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Frosting/Topping:
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Activate yeast by warming milk and butter to 110°F, then mix with sugar and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Combine flour, salt, and activated yeast mixture in a large mixing bowl, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Cover dough and allow to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While dough rises, prepare apple filling by peeling and finely dicing apples, then sautéing with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, vanilla, and nutmeg until caramelized and tender.
- Roll out risen dough into a large rectangular shape, spreading the warm apple mixture evenly across the surface.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into 12 equal rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for an additional 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 375°F and bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
- While cooling, whip cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk into a smooth, creamy frosting.
- Generously spread frosting over warm rolls and serve immediately.
Notes
- Choose ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in the filling.
- Ensure milk and butter are precisely 110°F to activate yeast without killing it, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Test dough’s readiness by gently pressing with a finger; if it springs back slowly, it’s perfectly risen and ready to roll.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Prevent rolls from sticking by using dental floss or a sharp serrated knife when cutting the log into individual pieces.
- Add extra warmth by placing rolls in a slightly heated oven (turned off) during the second rise for consistent proofing.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg