Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (With Cream Cheese Frosting)

Apple pie cinnamon rolls are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, bringing together the classic apple pie flavors and the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls. These rolls are a perfect homemade treat, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. 

The incorporation of the apple pie filling into the dough gives the rolls a sweet, fruity dimension that’s hard to resist. The entire dish is baked in the oven until golden brown, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.

What sets this recipe apart is the fusion of apple pie and cinnamon rolls. The homemade apple pie filling gives the rolls a fruity twist, while the cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish. Each roll is a perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and warmth, making them a hit at any meal. 

Want to learn how to make this apple pie cinnamon roll recipe? Then keep on reading. 

Table of Contents

• What are Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?
• What Makes This Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Special?
• What You Need to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls at Home
• How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls (Step-by-Step)
• Tips for Making the Best Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Ever
• Serving Suggestions for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Store Leftover Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
• Similar Recipes You'll Love
• Recipe Card
• Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (With Cream Cheese Frosting)
• Comments

What are Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?

Apple pie cinnamon rolls are a delightful fusion of two classic comfort foods. It combines the sweet, hearty taste of an apple pie with the soft, fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls. This dish is a treat for those who love to bake and enjoy experimenting with different recipes.

These apple pie cinnamon rolls are not just enjoyable to bake but also a joy to eat. The contrast between the soft, light dough and the rich, flavorful apple pie filling creates a variety of textures in every bite. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, sweet finish that ties everything together.

This dish is perfect for those who enjoy both baking and dessert. It’s a fun, creative twist on traditional cinnamon rolls and apple pie, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a sweet treat on a cozy afternoon. Plus, the aroma of the cinnamon roll dough and apple pie filling baking in the oven is sure to make your kitchen smell heavenly.

What Makes This Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe Special?

Easy to make: This apple pie cinnamon roll recipe is straightforward and simple with clear steps. From mixing the dough to prepping the apple pie filling, even beginners can easily follow along. Plus, the cream cheese frosting is a cinch to whip up while the rolls are cooling.

Versatile: This recipe can easily be tailored to fit your preferences. Want more of a kick to your apple pie filling? Add more cinnamon. Looking for a lighter frosting? Reduce the amount of butter. The dough can also be prepared in advance and baked when needed, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.

Delicious: The combination of fresh apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon wrapped in a soft, fluffy dough, topped with a creamy frosting, is undeniably mouth-watering. Every bite gives you a taste of a classic apple pie and a cinnamon roll in one.

Crowd pleaser: Whether it’s for a family brunch, a holiday get-together, or a casual gathering, these apple pie cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit. They’re not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a standout on any dessert table.

Healthier option: While these rolls are a sweet treat, they do provide some nutritional benefits. The apples offer fiber and vitamin C, while the eggs contribute protein. Plus, you control the ingredients, so you can opt for organic or reduced-calorie options where preferred.

What You Need to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls at Home

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this apple pie cinnamon rolls recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

Cinnamon Rolls Dough Ingredient:

• Warm milk: You’ll be needing some organic warm milk for this recipe. The milk will be used to activate the instant yeast, creating a fluffy and light dough for your apple pie cinnamon rolls.
• Dry yeast: We’ll be needing some dry yeast to make this recipe. The yeast will make the dough rise and create a soft and tender texture.
• Eggs: You’ll be needing large eggs for this recipe. The eggs will add richness and structure to the cinnamon roll dough.
• Unsalted melted butter: We’ll also need some unsalted melted butter. The butter will provide moisture and flavor to the dough, making it tender and delicious.
• Sugar and sea salt: You’ll be needing sugar and sea salt for this recipe. The sugar will add a touch of sweetness to the dough, while the salt will enhance the flavors.
• All-purpose flour: We’ll be needing some all-purpose flour to make this recipe. The flour will provide the structure for your cinnamon roll dough.
• Heavy cream: You’ll be needing some heavy cream for this recipe. The cream will enrich the dough, giving it a tender crumb and golden brown color.

Apple Pie Filling Ingredient:

• Sugar and light brown sugar: You’ll be needing both white and light brown sugar for this recipe. These sugars will sweeten the apple pie filling and give it a caramel-like flavor.
• Ground cinnamon, sea salt, and vanilla extract: We’ll need these ingredients to make this recipe. They will enhance the flavor of the filling, providing a warm, spiced taste that pairs perfectly with the apples.
• Xanthan gum: We’ll also need some xanthan gum which will help thicken the apple pie filling to the right consistency while it bakes.
• Granny Smith apples: You’ll be needing some Granny Smith apples for this recipe. The apples will be cooked until soft and will become the main component of the apple pie filling.

Frosting Ingredients:

• Cream cheese: We’ll be needing some softened cream cheese to make this recipe. The cream cheese will be the base for the frosting, adding a tangy contrast to the sweet rolls.
• Unsalted butter: We’ll also need softened unsalted butter. The butter will add richness and a smooth texture to the cream cheese frosting.
• Heavy whipping cream: We’ll be needing some cold heavy whipping cream as well. The cream will be whipped into the cream cheese mixture, adding volume and a light, fluffy texture to the frosting.
• Sugar: You’ll also need some sugar for the frosting which will add the perfect level of sweetness to it.
• Salt: We’ll also also a touch of salt that will help bring out all the flavors and balance them out perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: We’ll also use some vanilla extract which will help add a delicious flavor and aroma to the frosting.

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls (Step-by-Step)

Making these incredible apple pie cinnamon rolls is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Dough

Start by combining warm milk and instant yeast in a large bowl. Let this sit for about 10 minutes to allow the yeast to dissolve and activate. 

While the yeast is doing its work, beat eggs and brown sugar together in a separate mixing bowl for about 5 minutes on high speed. After this time, reduce your stand mixer speed to low and slowly incorporate salt and melted butter into your egg and sugar mixture.

Next, add the milk and yeast mixture you set aside earlier. Now it’s time to incorporate the purpose flour. 

Add half of your sifted flour in the first round and then half a cup at a time thereafter until all the flour is properly incorporated. Note that your dough should be soft and should not stick too much to the sides of the mixer bowl or your hands.

Once your dough is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot to rise. This process will take about an hour and a half to two hours.

How to Make Apple Pie Filling

While your dough is rising, you can start making your homemade apple pie filling. First, combine all your dry ingredients, including white sugar, brown sugar, and salt, in a small bowl and set this aside.

Rinse, peel, and chop your apples.

Then, place the chopped apples into a skillet. Sprinkle the dry mixture over the apples and mix until the apple cubes are well coated. Add vanilla extract and mix once more. 

Cook this mixture over medium heat until it starts simmering, stirring constantly to prevent the sweet liquid from burning. 

After 2 minutes of simmering, remove your cooked apple pie filling from heat and let it cool down to a warm temperature before using.

How to Assemble Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

When your dough has risen and your filling has cooled, transfer the dough to a floured work surface. 

Split the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first half of the dough into an inch rectangle, about ½ inches thick. Spread half of the cooled apple pie filling evenly over the entire rectangle.

Next, roll the dough tightly into a log, making sure to pinch the edge of the dough to the roll to prevent it from unraveling during the rising and baking process. 

Repeat these steps with the other half of the dough. Cut your cinnamon roll logs into 1-inch slices using a string or a sharp knife and arrange these rolls onto a baking dish or pan lined with parchment paper.

Allow these rolls to rise for another 30 minutes before baking.

How to Bake Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350 ℉. Bake the rolls for 7 minutes, then remove them from the oven and pour 1 tbsp. of heavy cream over each cinnamon roll. 

Return them to the oven and continue baking until they’re golden brown. Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 15 - 20 minutes.

While your rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Combine softened butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl and mix until well combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until it’s fully incorporated. Then add the remaining ingredients: vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. 

Once the rolls have cooled, spread your homemade frosting over each roll.

Your delicious Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are ready to be served!

Sit back and enjoy your apple pie cinnamon rolls with a glass of cold milk or a homemade latte. 

Tips for Making the Best Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Ever

Activating the Yeast: When combining the warm milk with the dry yeast, ensure the milk is not too hot, as it may kill the yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate, creating a frothy texture that will help your cinnamon roll dough rise.

Making the Dough: While adding the all-purpose flour to the dough mixture, do it half a cup at a time. This allows for proper incorporation and prevents the dough from getting too stiff. The dough should be soft and should not stick too much to the sides of the large bowl or your spatula.

Preparing the Apples: For the apple pie filling, choose Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor which balances well with the sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture. Rinse, peel, and chop the apples into small cubes for a filling that’s easy to spread on your dough.

Rolling the Dough: When rolling out the cinnamon roll dough, aim for an inch rectangle in thickness. This gives the rolls their classic shape and ensures an even bake. Remember to dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking.

Baking the Rolls: Preheat your oven before you start baking the apple pie cinnamon rolls. This ensures a consistent temperature throughout the bake. To achieve a golden brown color, bake the rolls for 7 minutes, remove them to pour heavy cream, then continue baking.

Frosting the Rolls: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for 15 - 20 minutes before applying the cream cheese frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting into the rolls. However, the rolls should still be warm to allow the frosting to spread easily.

Serving the Rolls: Enjoy your apple pie cinnamon rolls while they’re still warm. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or homemade latte for a delightful treat. Remember, these rolls are rich in calories and protein, perfect for a filling breakfast or a sweet dessert.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair your apple cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of black coffee or a homemade latte. The bitterness of the coffee will serve as a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Enjoy these delicious cinnamon rolls with a refreshing fruit salad on the side. The tartness of the fruits will help cut through the sweetness of the rolls, providing a well-rounded breakfast or brunch.
• If you’re serving these cinnamon rolls as a dessert after a meal, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess of the ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm rolls, reminiscent of a classic apple pie a la mode.
• For a light and refreshing contrast, serve a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea alongside your apple pie cinnamon rolls. The tanginess of the lemonade or the bitterness of the tea will help balance out the sweet and rich flavors of the rolls.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

This delicious apple pie cinnamon rolls recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

Caramel drizzle: For a sweet and gooey variation, try adding a caramel drizzle to your apple pie cinnamon rolls. Simply melt some butter and brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat until it forms a caramel mixture. Drizzle this over your rolls after they’ve been frosted with the cream cheese frosting. This addition makes your rolls extra decadent and sweet.

Extra apple: If you’re a big fan of apples, this variation is for you. Double the quantity of Granny Smith apples in your apple pie filling. This will give your apple pie cinnamon rolls a stronger apple flavor and make them even more moist.

Maple pecan: For a crunchier twist to your apple pie cinnamon rolls, try adding some chopped pecans to the dough. You can also replace the sugar in the cream cheese frosting with maple syrup for a subtle, natural sweetness. Pecans and maple syrup will give your rolls a unique crunch and flavor, reminiscent of a delicious pecan pie.

Lemon juice: You can also add some lemon juice to the apple pie filling which will bring out the tartness of our apples and balance the sugar in the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of apples should I use for the apple pie filling?

Granny Smith apples are recommended for this recipe. Their tart flavor balances out the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon in the apple pie filling, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

While homemade dough is recommended for its fresh taste and texture, store-bought cinnamon roll dough can be used as a time-saving alternative. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for prep time and baking.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should be left in a warm spot to rise for about an hour and a half to two hours. It should double in size. If it hasn’t, give it more time.

Can I make the apple pie filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple pie filling in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Why do I need to pour heavy cream over the cinnamon rolls before baking?

Pouring heavy cream over the cinnamon rolls before baking helps to keep them moist and enhances their flavor. It also gives them a golden brown color.

How do I prevent the cinnamon rolls from unrolling while they rise and bake?

After rolling the dough with the filling, pinch the edge of the dough to the roll. This helps to keep the cinnamon rolls in shape while they rise and bake.

How to Store Leftover Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Storing leftovers of your apple pie cinnamon rolls recipe is simple and can extend the life of your freshly baked treats. First, let the cinnamon rolls cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap, ensuring they’re sealed tightly to maintain freshness.

For fridge storage, store the container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees, place the rolls on a baking dish lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through.

If you’ve topped your rolls with the cream cheese frosting, it’s essential to refrigerate them as the frosting contains ingredients that can spoil at room temperature.

For freezing, the apple pie cinnamon rolls can actually be frozen either before or after baking. If you freeze them before baking, allow the dough to rise in a baking dish, then cover tightly with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to a month.

 When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before you bake according to the recipe.

If you’re freezing them after baking, let them cool completely, then wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven as directed above.

Remember, whether you’re storing in the fridge or freezer, reheating in the oven will help maintain the delicious golden brown texture and taste. Enjoy the added convenience of having ready-to-eat apple pie cinnamon rolls whenever you desire!

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