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apple pie cinnamon rolls Recipe

apple pie cinnamon rolls Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Delight in these irresistible Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, which combine fluffy cinnamon-spiced dough swirled with a rich cinnamon filling, tender apple pie filling, and a crisp oat crumble topping. They’re finished with a luscious caramel apple cider sauce baked beneath and a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, making them the perfect sweet treat for brunch or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling & Topping

  • 7 large apples, peeled & diced (about 11 cups or 1130 grams)
  • 1/4 cup salted butter (56 grams)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (110 grams)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon (6 grams)
  • 1 tsp nutmeg (3 grams)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp allspices
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp corn starch
  • 2 tsp water

Cinnamon Roll Dough

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, melted (113 grams), at 115℉
  • 1 cup warm milk (240 mL), at 115℉
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten and at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (70 grams)
  • 2 1/2 tsp instant yeast (9 grams)
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 4 cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (528 grams), spooned & leveled

Crisp Topping

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (33 grams), spooned & leveled
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats (52 grams)
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (55 grams)
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup salted butter, cold (56 grams)

Caramel Apple Cider Sauce

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, very softened (113 grams)
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed (165 grams) (light brown sugar also acceptable)
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp boiled apple cider
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream

Cinnamon Filling

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (113 grams)
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (165 grams)
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream (80 grams), for pouring over rolls (do not mix into filling)

Frosting

  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened (170 grams)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (115 grams)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon (adjust between 1/4 to 1/2 tsp to taste)
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Make the Apple Filling & Topping: Combine diced apples, butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, salt, and vanilla extract in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring gently until apples reach desired tenderness. If liquid evaporates, add a splash of apple cider or water to maintain sauce consistency. For thickening, dissolve cornstarch in water, add to the pan, and cook for 30-60 seconds until juices thicken. Set aside or refrigerate up to 3 days.
  2. Make the Dough & First Rise: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk melted butter, warm milk, eggs, sugar, yeast, and salt until combined. Add flour and mix on low speed until just combined. Rest dough for 5 minutes. Switch to dough hook attachment and knead on low speed for 5-7 minutes until dough pulls away from bowl sides and becomes elastic but slightly slack. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover loosely, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled and indent holds when poked.
  3. Make the Crisp Topping: Preheat oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment. Whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut cold butter into chunks and cut into dry ingredients with a pastry blender or forks until crumbly. Spread evenly on baking sheet and bake 12-16 minutes, stirring halfway, bringing edges to center to prevent burning. Cool and set aside.
  4. Make the Caramel Apple Cider Sauce: In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, boiled apple cider, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until fully combined. Spray a 9×13 inch ceramic or metal baking dish with nonstick spray, then spread the sauce evenly across the bottom.
  5. Make the Cinnamon Filling: In a medium bowl, beat softened butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until thick and creamy. Set aside.
  6. Assemble the Rolls: After the dough has doubled, generously flour a countertop. Roll out dough to approximately 14×22 inches. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough using an offset spatula, reaching near edges. Dot 1 1/2 cups of the apple filling evenly on top. Cut the dough lengthwise into 1 3/4 inch strips. Roll each strip into individual rolls. Arrange rolls tightly in the prepared dish on top of the caramel sauce; smaller pieces can be rolled together and placed in the center to ensure even baking. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise 30-40 minutes until indent holds. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350℉.
  7. Bake: Pour room-temperature heavy cream gently over and between the rolls before baking. Bake for 40 to 46 minutes until golden brown and center registers 205-210℉ with an instant-read thermometer. Check for raw dough on thermometer probe and bake longer if needed.
  8. Make the Frosting: While baking, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Adjust liquid for desired consistency but avoid overbeating for thicker frosting.
  9. Serve & Store: Spread frosting immediately over warm rolls, then top each with a generous spoonful of reserved apple topping and a sprinkle of crisp topping. Enjoy fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and gently reheat before serving.

Notes

  • Use warm milk and melted butter at about 115℉ to activate yeast properly.
  • Boiled apple cider for the caramel sauce enhances flavor and consistency.
  • Dough rising times vary based on ambient temperature; look for doubling and finger indent test rather than strict timing.
  • Keep heavy cream for pouring warm but do not mix into cinnamon filling; it helps create a moist, tender crumb during baking.
  • The smaller cinnamon rolls placed in the center bake a bit slower, ensuring all rolls finish evenly.
  • These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but reheat well wrapped in foil and warmed gently in the oven.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute suitable vegan butters, milk, and cream alternatives, adjusting consistency as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls, apple filling, caramel apple sauce, cinnamon frosting, brunch recipe, sweet rolls

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/apple-pie-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/