Description
Fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with warm apple pie filling and topped with creamy glaze.
The perfect cozy treat for any time of day!
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1¼ cups (300ml) whole milk
- ⅓ cup (66g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1½ tablespoons (14g) active dry yeast
- 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 5½ cups (701g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Apple Pie Filling
- 4 cups (600g) chopped apples (about 4 medium apples)
- ½ cup (110g) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
Cinnamon Butter Filling
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup (55g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 1 cup (226g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1¾ cups (218g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Dough
- Warm milk to 110°F (43°C). Pour into a large bowl or stand mixer bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and yeast to the milk. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add remaining sugar, butter, and whisked eggs. Mix briefly (about 30 seconds).
- Add 5 cups of flour and salt. Mix until combined into a shaggy dough.
- Knead with dough hook for 8-10 minutes (or 12 minutes by hand), adding remaining flour only if needed. The dough should be tacky but not sticky.
- Form dough into a ball and place in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours until doubled.
Apple Pie Filling
- Combine chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ¼ cup water in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until apples are soft.
- Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until dissolved.
- Add cornstarch mixture to apples, stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface), and cool completely.
Assemble Rolls
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- After first rise, punch down dough and roll out to a 20×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make cinnamon butter filling. Spread evenly over dough.
- Spread cooled apple filling over the cinnamon butter layer.
- Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log.
- Cut into 12 equal pieces using floss or a sharp knife.
- Place rolls in prepared pan, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 20 minutes before glazing.
Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and mix until incorporated.
- Add vanilla and salt, mix to combine.
- Spread over rolls while still warm but not hot.
- Let sit for 10 more minutes before serving.
Notes
- For faster rising, place dough near a warm oven, but watch carefully to prevent over-proofing.
- To use instant yeast: Skip the proofing step and add yeast directly with other ingredients.
- Make ahead: Assemble rolls, refrigerate overnight, and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before baking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze baked rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.