These cinnamon rolls are a sweet treat that gets even better with warm apple pie filling. Imagine fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon and topped with gooey apple goodness!
They smell amazing while baking, and let’s be real: who can resist that warm, sugary bite? I love serving mine with a drizzle of icing—it’s like a dessert party in your mouth! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving structure and texture. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but note that results can vary.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for the dough to rise. If you only have instant yeast, you can use it directly without proofing it in warm milk.
Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast. Non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk work well too; just warm them slightly.
Brown Sugar: Adds richness and depth to the filling. You can use white sugar if needed, but the flavor won’t be as robust.
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites because they hold their shape and add tartness. Fuji or Gala apples can work too—just go for a mix for extra flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
Getting a great rise on your dough is crucial for fluffy cinnamon rolls! Here are some tips for success:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh. Check the expiration date before starting.
- Your milk should be warm, not hot! About 110°F (43°C) is ideal—too hot can kill the yeast.
- When rising, place your dough in a warm spot, like near a preheated oven or on a sunny windowsill. Covering it helps retain humidity.
- Be patient! Allow the dough to double in size, which usually takes 1-1.5 hours.
What’s the Best Way to Roll and Cut the Dough?
Rolling and cutting the dough properly can make or break your cinnamon rolls! Here’s how to do it with ease:
- After rolling out your dough, ensure you have an even rectangle to make tighter rolls.
- Spread softened butter evenly; this helps the filling stick and adds flavor.
- For cutting, use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean edges without squishing the rolls.
- Cut into equal pieces for uniform baking. Aim for about 1.5 inches wide when cutting!
With these tips and ingredient insights, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious cinnamon rolls filled with apple pie goodness! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cinnamon Roll Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 2 to 2.5 hours in total, including 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise and about 30 minutes for baking. It’s well worth the wait for these delicious cinnamon rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and the foamy yeast mixture to the flour. Mix until a dough forms. Now, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s nice and smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:
While the dough is rising, let’s make the apple pie filling! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5 minutes until the apples begin to soften. Now stir in the dissolved cornstarch and cook for another 2 minutes until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Roll Out and Assemble Cinnamon Rolls:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly on top of the dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the butter layer. Next, distribute the apple pie filling evenly on top of the cinnamon sugar layer. Start from one long edge and tightly roll the dough into a log. Finally, cut the log into 9-12 rolls using a sharp knife.
4. Bake the Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the rolls cut-side up inside it, spaced slightly apart. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they’re puffy. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells amazing!
5. Glaze and Serve:
While your rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create the glaze. Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still warm. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of cinnamon rolls and warm apple pie filling!
This delightful recipe combines pillowy cinnamon rolls with luscious apple pie filling that bakes right in, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze for a perfect dessert or brunch treat. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Pie Filling Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Using store-bought apple pie filling can save you time. Just skip the step of making the filling from scratch and spread the store-bought version over the dough as per the recipe.
Can I Freeze the Cinnamon Rolls Before Baking?
Yes! Once you’ve rolled and cut the cinnamon rolls, you can place them in the baking dish, cover them tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and allow them to rise before baking as instructed.
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving to enjoy them warm again!
What Should I Do if the Dough Doesn’t Rise Properly?
If your dough hasn’t risen well, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and proofed correctly. If you suspect your yeast wasn’t activated, you might need to start over. In the future, checking the temperature of your milk (it should be warm, not hot) can help to avoid this issue.
