Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s a cozy, fall-inspired recipe for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls — a fusion of gooey cinnamon rolls and warm apple pie filling. These are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

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🍎 Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

🕒 Total Time: 2.5–3 hours (includes rising time)

🍽️ Makes: 12 large rolls

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp salt

• 4–4½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Spread:

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 5 tbsp softened butter

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix.

3. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead (by hand or mixer) for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

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2. Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

3. Cook until apples are soft and juices are released (5–7 minutes).

4. Stir in cornstarch and cook another 1–2 minutes until thickened.

5. Cool to room temperature.

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3. Make Cinnamon Sugar Spread

• Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Keep butter softened for spreading.

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4. Assemble the Rolls

1. Punch down dough and roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle.

2. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar.

3. Spoon apple filling evenly across the surface.

4. Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal rolls.

5. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

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5. Second Rise

• Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

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6. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

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7. Make and Add Glaze

1. Mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

2. Drizzle over warm rolls right out of the oven or let cool slightly first.

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🍁 Optional Add-ins & Variations

• Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

• Add a maple glaze instead of vanilla

• Use store-bought dough for a shortcut (like crescent or pizza dough)

• Make ahead: Prep the night before and refrigerate overnight before the final rise