Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s a delicious twist on two classics: soft, fluffy Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls 🍎🥐 — sweet, spiced, and perfect for breakfast or dessert.

---

🍏 Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Makes: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes + rising time
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

---

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup whole milk, warm

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 eggs

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Glaze (optional):

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk

---

Instructions

1. Make the dough:

   • In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.

   • In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.

   • Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the filling:

   • In a bowl, mix apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and softened butter until combined.

3. Roll and fill:

   • Roll dough into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.

   • Spread apple mixture evenly over the dough.

4. Shape the rolls:

   • Roll the dough tightly from the long side.

   • Cut into 12 equal slices and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Second rise:

   • Cover and let rise 20–30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Bake:

   • Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before glazing.

7. Optional glaze:

   • Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

---

Tips & Variations

• 🍎 Extra apple flavor: Sauté apples lightly with butter before filling for a softer texture.

• 🥄 Caramel twist: Drizzle with caramel sauce in addition to cream cheese glaze.

• 🌰 Nutty option: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.

• ❄️ Make-ahead: Assemble rolls in the pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.

---

I can also give a faster, no-yeast shortcut version using refrigerated crescent roll dough for the same apple pie cinnamon roll flavor. Do you want that version too?