Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Like apple pie and cinnamon rolls had the coziest baby ever. These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They feature tender apples, warm spices, and a delightful apple butter filling, all enveloped in fluffy homemade dough. Topped with creamy frosting, they are sure to impress on any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apples and cinnamon creates a warm and comforting taste that everyone loves.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch gatherings, or even as a sweet dessert.
• Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch with simple ingredients, these rolls will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
• Impressive Presentation: The swirled design makes these rolls visually appealing for serving guests.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add nuts or different spices to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delightful rolls, you’ll need some essential tools that will help ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing dough and ensures a consistent texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for the perfect thickness.
• Baking dish: A good-quality dish allows for even baking and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

Like apple pie and cinnamon rolls had the coziest baby ever. These rolls are loaded with tender apples, warm spices, and a boost of apple butter for extra flavor, all wrapped in fluffy homemade dough and slathered with cream cheese frosting.

For the Filling

• 1 2/3 cups diced Gala apple
• 1/4 cup apple butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Dough

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup bread flour
• 3 2/3 cups bread flour (See notes below for measuring)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/3 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Tangzhong (from recipe above)

For the Frosting

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons apple butter

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by combining diced apples, apple butter, granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, fine sea salt, cornstarch, and additional water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the apples soften slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine water with bread flour to create tangzhong. Let it cool. In another bowl, mix together remaining bread flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, fine sea salt. Add milk, heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, tangzhong mixture into dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on a floured surface or use your stand mixer with a dough hook attachment until it is smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Spread the cooled filling evenly over the dough.

Step 5: Shape Rolls

Starting from one long side of the rectangle, roll up tightly into a log shape. Cut into equal pieces about two inches wide. Place rolls in a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover rolls lightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Allow them to rise again until puffed up—about 30 minutes.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for about 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

While baking, beat together room temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to mix; blend in heavy cream until smooth.

Step 9: Frost Rolls

Once baked rolls have cooled slightly but are still warm, generously spread frosting over the tops using a spatula.

Enjoy your delightful Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Serving your Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling can elevate the experience for family and friends. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy these warm, comforting rolls.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm rolls, enhancing their sweetness.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce brings an extra layer of flavor and richness, making each bite indulgent.

Paired with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced apples or pears for a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the rolls.

Enjoyed with Hot Coffee or Tea

• Pairing these rolls with a hot beverage creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and complements the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Perfecting your Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your baking skills.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your milk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops gluten, giving your rolls a fluffy texture.
• Don’t Rush Proofing: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This step is essential for softness.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, which helps achieve perfectly baked rolls.
• Experiment with Fillings: Try adding nuts or dried fruits to the filling for added texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Complement your Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling by serving them alongside these delicious side dishes.

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fresh berries and granola for a refreshing side that balances sweetness.
2. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, enhancing your brunch spread.
3. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche provides protein and savory flavors, making it a hearty addition to your meal.
4. Mixed Green Salad: Tossed greens with a light vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the sweet rolls.
5. Oven-Baked Turkey Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: The salty crunch pairs well with the sweetness of the rolls while keeping things interesting.
6. Cinnamon Spiced Oatmeal: For an extra dose of cinnamon, serve oatmeal spiced similarly to your rolls as a warm side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough rolls. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin the recipe. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for best results.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for fluffy rolls. Be patient and let it rise until doubled in size.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can hinder the dough’s rise. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal results.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven affects cooking time and texture. Always preheat before placing your rolls inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place one roll on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 15-20 seconds, adding more time if needed.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling.

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! You can experiment with various apple types like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for different flavors and textures.

How do I make my rolls extra gooey?

Adding more apple butter or brown sugar to the filling can enhance the gooey texture of your cinnamon rolls.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking. Just ensure they have enough time to rise before baking.

What should I serve with Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling?

Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea, or serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience!

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are not only delicious but also versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day. Feel free to customize your filling by adding nuts or raisins, or adjust the spices according to your taste preferences!