Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s a recipe for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls—the perfect fusion of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and sweet, spiced apple pie filling.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup whole milk (warm)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)

For the apple pie filling:

• 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

For the cinnamon sugar filling:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (or more for desired consistency)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Make the dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk and sugar. Add yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the dough: Add the melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually stir in the flour until a dough forms.
3. Knead: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour.
4. First rise: 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 it doubles in size.

Make the apple pie filling:

1. Cook the apples: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the apples are softened.
2. Thicken (optional): If the mixture is too runny, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened. Let the filling cool completely.

Assemble the cinnamon rolls:

1. Roll the dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
2. Add cinnamon sugar: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the butter.
3. Add the apple pie filling: Evenly spread the cooled apple pie filling on top of the cinnamon sugar.
4. Roll and cut: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 even rolls.
5. Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Bake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.

Make the glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with a cup of coffee or tea!