Few things are more comforting than the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. Now, imagine combining that with the rich, spiced flavors of apple pie filling—a match made in dessert heaven. These Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling are soft, gooey, and bursting with the flavors of fall.
This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a cozy dessert. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or just because, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become a favorite. Best of all, they’re easy to make and come together with simple ingredients.
Let’s dive into this delicious, bakery-style treat that tastes like a combination of cinnamon rolls and warm apple pie in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
For the Cinnamon Roll Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, then mix until a dough forms.
- ransfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Apple Pie Filling
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the filling thickens.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough & Add Fillings
- After the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface and roll it out into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon on top.
- Spread the cooled apple pie filling evenly over the cinnamon sugar layer.
Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Let Rise
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
- Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before adding the glaze.
Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm and enjoy these soft, gooey cinnamon rolls filled with sweet and spiced apple pie goodness!
Helpful Tips
Use the Right Apples
For the best flavor, use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Make the Dough Ahead of Time
Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, roll it out, add the filling, and bake for fresh cinnamon rolls.
Get Perfectly Soft Rolls
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil if the tops brown too quickly. This helps the rolls bake evenly while staying soft.
Double the Glaze for Extra Sweetness
If you love extra gooey cinnamon rolls, make double the glaze and drizzle some on before serving!
Variations & Substitutions
Shortcut with Store-Bought Dough
Save time by using store-bought cinnamon roll dough and simply adding the apple pie filling before baking.
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the baked cinnamon rolls for a decadent twist.
Nutty Crunch
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling before rolling the dough for added texture.
Maple Glaze Instead of Vanilla
Replace vanilla extract in the glaze with maple syrup for a fall-inspired flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! After placing the sliced rolls in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate them overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Freeze baked cinnamon rolls (without glaze) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven and add fresh glaze before serving.
What can I serve with these cinnamon rolls?
Pair them with coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of milk for the perfect treat. They also go well with scrambled eggs or bacon for a balanced breakfast.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
These Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling combine everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls with the warm, spiced flavors of homemade apple pie. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, they are a treat that everyone will love. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting, bakery-style dessert right at home!