Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
Soft, pillowy homemade cinnamon rolls stuffed with a brown sugar-cinnamon-nutmeg swirl and chunks of apple pie filling, topped with cream cheese frosting and a caramel drizzle. The ultimate autumn morning treat.
- Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield9 rolls 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup apple pie filling, chopped into smaller pieces
Glaze and Topping
- cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk warm milk, sugar, and yeast together. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add the egg and melted butter, whisk to combine. Switch to the dough hook, add flour and salt, and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 3 minutes — dough will be slightly sticky.
- First Rise: Transfer dough to a large oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size. Meanwhile, line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Spice Filling: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl and set aside.
- Roll and Fill: Roll the risen dough on a floured surface into a 9×14 inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over the butter and press lightly. Distribute the chopped apple pie filling evenly on top.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seam closed. Trim uneven ends. Slice into 9 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Second Rise: Place rolls cut-side up in the prepared pan, evenly spaced. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20 minutes until pale golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
- Frost and Serve: Spread cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls and drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
Milk should be around 110°F — warm to the touch but not hot, or it will kill the yeast. Do not add extra flour to sticky dough; sticky dough produces softer rolls. Chop apple pie filling into smaller pieces for even distribution. Use dental floss or a sharp knife for clean slices. Rolls should be pale golden, not dark brown — they continue to set as they cool. Frost while warm so the cream cheese frosting melts into the spirals.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 250
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 55
