Indulge in the ultimate fall comfort food with our Best-Ever Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. Combining the warm sweetness of apple pie filling with the fluffy goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls, this treat is perfect for a cozy breakfast or festive holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale:
For the Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
2 large eggs, at room temperature
For the Filling:
1 cup apple pie filling, chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: caramel sauce drizzle for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
Slowly add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the gas bubbles, then roll it out on a floured surface to a rectangle approximately 16x12 inches.
Assemble the Rolls: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the surface. Scatter the chopped apple pie filling.
Roll the Dough: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal the roll well.
Cut the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Second Rise: Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Make the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
Cool and Frost: Once baked, let the rolls cool for a few minutes before drizzling with frosting and caramel sauce.
