Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful way to brighten up your day, these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are just the treat you need! Imagine warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with sweet apples and a hint of spice. It’s like having dessert for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my home, perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive family gatherings. The combination of familiar flavors makes it feel like a big hug in pastry form.

These rolls are not just delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. You can whip them up in no time, making them an excellent choice for anyone who loves baking but might be short on time. Let’s dive into why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have these rolls ready to bake in no time!
• Family-Friendly Delight: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet, gooey apple filling nestled inside the soft dough.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling ahead of time for an even easier baking experience when you’re ready to indulge.
• Deliciously Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients or add your favorite spices to make this recipe your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have at home. It all comes together beautifully to create those mouth-watering Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls!

For the Cinnamon Rolls

• 2 packs Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls (5 count, ideally not the small 8 count)
• Butter for greasing muffin tin

For the Apple Filling

• 4 large apples (2 Honeycrisp and 2 Granny Smith)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in 3 tbsp water)

For the Streusel Topping

• 5 tbsp butter (partially melted)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Icing

• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2-1 tsp cinnamon (based on your preference)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Try Different Apples: Experiment with other apple varieties like Fuji or Gala for unique flavors.
• Incorporate Dried Fruit: Add some raisins or dried cranberries into the filling for added sweetness and texture.
• Spice it Up: Mix in some nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Using softened butter, generously grease each muffin cup. Then take your cinnamon rolls and press them into each cup, working them up the sides to create a lovely cavity for that scrumptious apple filling. It’s essential not to leave too much dough at the bottom; otherwise, you won’t be able to fit all that delicious filling!

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel your apples and slice them thinly before dicing them into 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, mix together your diced apples with the remaining filling ingredients. To bring out all those flavors, heat this mixture in the microwave for about two minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and softens. If you prefer stovetop cooking, feel free to use a saucepan instead!

Step 3: Fill Your Rolls

Using a slotted spoon, scoop out some of that warmed apple mixture while straining off any excess syrup. Carefully place this mixture into each cinnamon roll cavity until they are filled to the top—make sure they look generous because who doesn’t love extra filling?

Step 4: Make Your Streusel Topping

In a bowl, mix together all of your streusel topping ingredients until they come together in big crumbs. This step adds such wonderful texture! Mound handfuls of this topping over each roll so that most of the apple filling is covered.

Step 5: Bake and Drizzle

Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil during the first five minutes and don’t forget to rotate your pan halfway through baking. While they’re baking away and making your kitchen smell heavenly, whisk together your icing ingredients until smooth. Once baked, let them cool slightly before drizzling that sweet icing over top.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these incredible Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls! They’re sure to bring smiles around the table—happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are sure to impress, and with a few helpful tips, you can make them even more delightful!

• Use a mix of apples: Combining Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples gives your filling a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch: This ingredient helps thicken the apple mixture, ensuring that it doesn’t become too soupy. A thick filling means your rolls will hold together beautifully when baked.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your rolls as they bake. Every oven is different, and by checking for a golden-brown top, you’ll ensure they don’t overbake or burn.
• Create a cozy atmosphere: Enjoying these rolls fresh from the oven is a treat in itself. Consider serving them warm with a cup of hot cider or tea to elevate the experience.
• Customize your icing: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of your icing by adding more or less powdered sugar, tailoring it to your taste preference for drizzling over your warm rolls.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

These delectable Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls can be served in various ways that enhance their comforting flavors—perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of your icing adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream on top can add creaminess and richness, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon right before serving enhances the aroma and adds a beautiful finish to the rolls.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits balances the richness of the cinnamon rolls while providing a burst of freshness.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer some dairy-free yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a nutritious side that complements the sweet flavors without overpowering them.
• Chia seed pudding: This creamy pudding can be flavored with vanilla or almond extract and topped with berries, offering a healthy yet satisfying contrast to your sweet rolls.
• Autumn vegetable medley: Roasted autumn vegetables like butternut squash and Brussels sprouts add warmth and depth to your meal, making it feel hearty and wholesome alongside these sweet treats.

Enjoy crafting your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls and pairing them with these delightful accompaniments!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade treat any day of the week! Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy family brunch or an indulgent dessert, knowing how to store and reheat these rolls will keep them fresh and delightful.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• Place the cooled cinnamon rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, place the rolls in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating refrigerated rolls, microwave each roll for about 20-30 seconds or until heated to your preference.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls!

Can I use different types of apples for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples work beautifully together, you can experiment with any apples you enjoy. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape when cooked.

How do I make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls without using animal-derived gelatin?

This recipe already avoids gelatin by using cornstarch as a thickener for the apple filling. You can simply follow the instructions as is!

Can I prepare Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the cinnamon rolls and fill them with the apple mixture in advance. Store them in the fridge overnight and bake them fresh in the morning!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls! They combine the warm flavors of apple pie with soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls—it’s a match made in heaven. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these rolls are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every delightful bite!