Apple Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling Recipe

If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of fall, you are going to absolutely adore these Apple Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling. Picture soft, fluffy rolls swirled with a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend and bursting with warm apple pie filling inside, then topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This recipe takes classic cinnamon rolls to the next level with that extra bit of apple goodness, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a sweet hug in pastry form. Trust me, once you try these, they will become one of your go-to favorites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Apple Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling, you only need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a truly magical flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the tender dough, the rich cinnamon filling, or the gooey apple pie filling that brings it all home.

• Flour (5 ½ cups): The foundation of your dough, creating structure and softness when measured correctly.
• Instant yeast (1 tablespoon): Gives the dough its perfect rise and light, airy texture.
• Granulated sugar (⅓ cup): Adds subtle sweetness to the dough itself.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a lovely warm aroma to the dough and frosting.
• Milk (1 ¼ cups): Keeps the dough moist and tender, best used at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Eggs (2, room temperature): Enrich the dough and help bind the ingredients together.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup melted and cooled for the dough, ½ cup softened for filling, ¼ cup softened for frosting): Creates richness in the dough and gooeyness in the filling.
• Cinnamon (2 tablespoons for filling, ½ teaspoon for apple filling): The star spice, layering deep warmth throughout.
• Brown sugar (1 cup for filling, ⅓ cup for apple filling): Brings caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the apples.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, room temp): For a tangy, smooth frosting that complements the sweet rolls beautifully.
• Apples (3 peeled and chopped): The heart of the apple pie filling, providing juicy bites inside the rolls.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the apple pie filling and prevents browning.
• Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle spice depth to the apple pie filling.
• Water (2 tablespoons): Helps cook down the apple filling perfectly.
• Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon for apple filling): Just a pinch to enhance flavors there as well.
• Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Thickens the apple pie filling to a perfect consistency.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): For a sweet and creamy frosting finish.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

Start by peeling and chopping the apples into small cubes so they cook evenly. Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium heat and stir in the cinnamon until fragrant. Add the apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, nutmeg, kosher salt, and water, then mix everything well. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to soften the apples. Stir in cornstarch until smooth to thicken the filling, then set aside and let it cool completely. This filling is what makes these rolls extra special.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Add salt and mix again. Pour in the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and cooled melted butter. Start mixing on low speed until all ingredients come together, then increase to medium and knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and silky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles or even triples in size. Patience here means lighter, fluffier rolls.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently, then transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle, being careful not to let the bottom stick. Spread an even layer of super soft butter over the surface, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top. Finally, spoon the cooled apple pie filling evenly across the dough. Rolling this up tightly and pinching the edges will ensure all that delicious filling stays inside during baking.

Step 4: Cut and Proof the Rolls

Using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the rolled dough into 12 even pieces. Transfer them to a lightly greased 9×13 inch pan, then cover with a towel and let rise again until doubled in size. This second rise helps create rolls that are tender and fluffy with plenty of that irresistible gooey center.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the rolls in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should be golden brown on top but still soft inside. Avoid overbaking to keep them delightfully moist and tender.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Serve

While the rolls are baking or cooling slightly, combine softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whip until smooth and creamy. Spread or drizzle the frosting generously over warm rolls so it melts slightly, adding that irresistible rich sweetness that perfectly balances the spiced apple filling.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch to these rolls that contrasts beautifully with their soft texture. For an extra cozy touch, dust a bit of cinnamon powder over the cream cheese glaze just before serving.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea latte, or warm apple cider. For a fuller brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, place the Apple Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling on a rustic wooden board and surround with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Alternatively, serve individual portions in small ramekins with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an elegant touch everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week. The frosting may soften, but reheating the rolls gently will bring back their just-baked charm.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after the first rise by placing them in a baking pan, covering tightly with plastic wrap, and freezing for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and give them a final rise before baking. Baked rolls freeze well too—just wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat rolls in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them briefly, but watch closely to avoid drying out the dough. Adding a small dab of butter or extra frosting while reheating makes them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple pie filling instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Store-bought pie filling is a convenient shortcut, but homemade filling adds more fresh flavor and lets you control the spice levels to your liking.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect because they hold their shape well and provide a nice balance to the sweetness.

Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?

While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10-12 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives, and choose dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting to accommodate dietary needs.

How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy with the apple filling?

Cooking the apple filling until thickened helps prevent excess moisture. Also, be sure to roll the dough tightly and bake immediately after the final rise for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls With Apple Pie Filling are truly a special kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of fluffy dough, spiced cinnamon sugar, and tender apple filling, all topped with creamy frosting, is sure to delight everyone lucky enough to try them. I can’t wait for you to make these at home and share the joy with your family and friends!