Apple pie cinnamon rolls How to Bake The Delicious Rolls

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Apple pie cinnamon rolls are the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods that will transform your kitchen into a cozy autumn paradise.

Imagine waking up to the intoxicating aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls swirled with tender, spiced apples and topped with a luscious caramel apple cider sauce.

This extraordinary recipe takes the classic cinnamon roll to new heights by incorporating all the warm, comforting flavors of homemade apple pie into every single bite.

Picture this: it’s a crisp Saturday morning, golden leaves are dancing outside your window, and you’re craving something special that bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert. These apple pie cinnamon rolls deliver exactly that magical experience, combining fluffy yeast dough with a generous apple filling that’s been simmered to perfection with cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm spices.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes these cinnamon rolls absolutely irresistible is the incredible depth of flavor and texture in every component. The soft, pillowy dough cradles chunks of perfectly spiced apples, while a crispy oat topping adds delightful contrast.

But here’s where it gets even better – the caramel apple cider sauce drizzled on top creates an explosion of fall flavors that will have your family gathering in the kitchen before you even call them for breakfast.

I’ll never forget the first time I made these for a weekend brunch with friends. The combination of textures – from the tender dough to the jammy apples to that incredible crispy topping – had everyone asking for the recipe before they’d even finished their first roll. Explore more trending recipes here to discover similar showstopping breakfast treats that will become instant family favorites.

Ingredients List

This recipe requires several components, but each one contributes to the incredible final result. Here’s everything you’ll need, organized by component:

Apple Filling	Measurement
Large apples, peeled & diced	7 (11 cups diced, 1130g)
Salted butter	1/4 cup (56g)
Light brown sugar, packed	1/2 cup (110g)
Lemon juice	1 tbsp
Cinnamon	2 1/2 tsp (6g)
Nutmeg	1 tsp (3g)
Ground cloves	1/2 tsp
Allspices	1/4 tsp
Salt	Pinch
Vanilla extract	1/2 tsp
Corn starch	2 tsp
Water	2 tsp

Cinnamon Roll Dough	Measurement
Salted butter, melted (115℉)	1/2 cup (113g)
Warm milk (115℉)	1 cup (240mL)
Large eggs, room temperature	2, lightly beaten
Granulated sugar	1/3 cup (70g)
Instant yeast	2 1/2 tsp (9g)
Salt	3/4 tsp
All-purpose flour	4 cups + 1 tbsp (528g)

Additional Components	Measurement
Crisp Topping: All-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, cold butter	1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup, 1/8 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1/4 cup
Caramel Apple Cider Sauce: Softened butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, boiled apple cider, vanilla, heavy cream	1/2 cup, 3/4 cup, 2 tsp, pinch, 2 tbsp, 1 tsp, 2 tbsp
Cinnamon Filling: Softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, warm heavy cream	1/2 cup, 3/4 cup, 2 tbsp, 1/4 tsp, pinch, 1/2 tsp, 1/3 cup
Frosting: Cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, milk/cream	6 oz, 1 cup, 1 tsp, pinch, 1/8 tsp, 2-3 tbsp

Find more weeknight recipe inspiration here for additional baking projects that bring comfort and joy to your everyday meals.

Step-by-Step Directions

Making the Apple Filling:
Start by peeling and dicing 7 large apples into uniform pieces. In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat and add the diced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, and all spices. Cook for 8-10 minutes until apples begin to soften. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir into the apple mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Set aside to cool completely.

Preparing the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, and granulated sugar. Sprinkle instant yeast over the mixture and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add salt and gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.

Assembly Process:
Roll the risen dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, and warm cream until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Distribute the cooled apple filling over the cinnamon layer. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Final Baking Steps:
Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the crisp topping by combining flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and cold butter pieces until crumbly. Sprinkle over rolls before baking. Bake at 350°F for 28-32 minutes until golden brown. While baking, prepare the caramel apple cider sauce and cream cheese frosting.

Exact Timing to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Apple filling preparation: 15 minutes
Dough mixing and kneading: 20 minutes
First rise: 60 minutes
Rolling and assembly: 15 minutes
Second rise: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Sauce and frosting preparation: 10 minutes
Total active time: 50 minutes
Total recipe time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Nutritional Information

Here’s the comprehensive nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cinnamon roll, recipe makes 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	485	24%
Total Fat	18g	23%
Saturated Fat	11g	55%
Trans Fat	0g	–
Cholesterol	75mg	25%
Sodium	320mg	14%
Total Carbohydrates	78g	28%
Dietary Fiber	4g	14%
Total Sugars	42g	–
Added Sugars	28g	56%
Protein	8g	16%
Vitamin C	6mg	7%
Calcium	95mg	7%
Iron	3.2mg	18%
Potassium	285mg	6%

Nutritional data is based on USDA food composition databases and standard ingredient calculations. Values may vary slightly depending on specific brands and ingredient variations used.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your Apple pie cinnamon rolls into a more nutritious treat with these smart ingredient swaps that maintain incredible flavor while boosting nutritional value:

Original Ingredient	Healthier Alternative	Nutritional Benefit
All-purpose flour	Whole wheat pastry flour (substitute 50%)	Increases fiber by 3g per serving, adds B vitamins
Granulated sugar	Coconut sugar or pure maple syrup	Lower glycemic index, contains trace minerals
Heavy cream	Greek yogurt (in frosting)	Reduces calories by 40%, adds protein and probiotics
Butter (in dough)	Unsweetened applesauce (substitute 50%)	Cuts saturated fat in half, adds natural fruit sweetness
Regular milk	Unsweetened almond milk	Reduces calories by 30%, suitable for dairy-free diets
Brown sugar (filling)	Date paste or mashed banana	Natural sweetness with added fiber and potassium
Cream cheese frosting	Cashew cream frosting	Dairy-free option with heart-healthy fats
Full portion size	Mini roll portions (18 instead of 12)	Automatic portion control, reduces calories per serving

Explore more dessert recipe alternatives here to discover additional ways to enjoy your favorite treats with enhanced nutritional benefits.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast & Brunch Pairings: Serve warm apple pie cinnamon rolls alongside crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or fresh fruit salad for a complete morning feast. The combination of sweet and savory elements creates the perfect balance for weekend brunches or special occasion breakfasts.

Dessert Presentation: Transform these rolls into an elegant dessert by serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of the caramel apple cider sauce. Garnish with chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon for an restaurant-quality presentation.

Beverage Companions: Pair these indulgent rolls with hot apple cider, freshly brewed coffee, or spiced chai tea to complement the warm autumn spices. For special occasions, serve with a glass of sparkling apple cider or even a cinnamon-spiced coffee cocktail for adults.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overworking the Dough: The biggest mistake when making apple pie cinnamon rolls is kneading the dough too aggressively or for too long, which results in tough, dense rolls instead of the desired pillowy texture. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic, typically 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-6 minutes with a stand mixer.

Using Hot Apple Filling: Adding warm or hot apple filling to your rolled dough will melt the butter in your cinnamon mixture and create a soggy mess. Always allow your spiced apple filling to cool completely before assembly, which also prevents the yeast dough from becoming too warm and difficult to work with.

Cutting Rolls with a Knife: Using a regular knife to slice your rolled dough often results in squished, misshapen rolls because the blade compresses the delicate layers. Instead, use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to maintain the beautiful spiral shape and even layers.

Storing Tips

Short-Term Storage: Store leftover apple pie cinnamon rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap individual rolls in damp paper towels and microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes until heated through.

Freezer-Friendly Options: These rolls freeze beautifully either before or after baking. For make-ahead convenience, assemble the rolls completely, place in your baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, allow to come to room temperature, then bake as directed.

Optimal Reheating Method: For the best texture when reheating day-old rolls, brush the tops lightly with melted butter and warm in a 325°F oven for 6-8 minutes. This method restores the soft interior while slightly crisping the exterior, making them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Q: Can I make apple pie cinnamon rolls the night before?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare apple pie cinnamon rolls the night before by assembling them completely, covering tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerating overnight. In the morning, remove from the fridge, let them come to room temperature for 30-45 minutes, add the crisp topping, and bake as directed. This make-ahead method actually enhances the flavors as they meld together overnight.

Q: What’s the best type of apple to use in apple pie cinnamon rolls?

A: The best apples for apple pie cinnamon rolls are firm, tart varieties that hold their shape during cooking. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples work exceptionally well because they don’t turn mushy when baked and provide a nice balance to the sweet cinnamon roll dough. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious or Gala, which can become too soft and watery.

Q: How do I know when my apple pie cinnamon rolls are fully baked?

A: Your apple pie cinnamon rolls are done when the tops are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F when tested with an instant-read thermometer. The rolls should spring back lightly when touched, and the edges should be pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan. If the tops are browning too quickly, tent with foil and continue baking until the center is fully cooked.

Q: Why did my apple pie cinnamon rolls turn out dense instead of fluffy?

A: Dense apple pie cinnamon rolls usually result from either using too much flour, not allowing proper rising time, or using expired yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and foamy when activated, allow the full rising times in a warm environment, and measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can pack in too much flour.