Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, bringing together the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie and soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, these rolls are sure to impress your family and friends. Their unique combination of sweet apples and cinnamon makes them an irresistible treat that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples creates a balanced sweetness with just the right amount of tartness.
- Easy to Make: Using store-bought cinnamon rolls saves time while delivering homemade taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 10 rolls in a batch, they’re ideal for gatherings or potlucks.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them warm with a drizzle of icing or serve them as a cozy breakfast option.
- Customizable Toppings: Adjust the icing and streusel toppings to match your personal taste.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls requires a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Slotted spoon
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: This is crucial for shaping the cinnamon rolls into individual portions that hold the apple filling perfectly.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even flavor distribution in your filling.
- Slotted spoon: Helps scoop out excess syrup from the apple mixture, preventing soggy rolls.
- Whisk: Ideal for mixing the icing until it reaches a smooth consistency.
Ingredients
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a warm and fluffy treat that combines apple pie and buttery cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients:
– 2 packs Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls (5 count, ideally not the small 8 count)
– Butter for greasing muffin tin
– 4 large apples (2 Honeycrisp and 2 Granny Smith)
– 1/3 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 2 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in 3 tbsp water)
– 5 tbsp butter (partially melted)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp milk
– 1/2 tsp vanilla
– 1/2-1 tsp cinnamon (based on your preference)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Use softened butter to grease each muffin cup generously. Take each cinnamon roll and press it into each muffin cup, working it up the sides to create space for the apple filling. Be careful to avoid having too much dough at the bottom; this ensures there’s enough room for delicious apple pie filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel four large apples and slice them thinly before dicing them into small one-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, combine these apple pieces with the remaining filling ingredients: brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, melted butter, and dissolved cornstarch. Heat this mixture in the microwave, stirring occasionally until it thickens—about two minutes should suffice. Alternatively, you can heat it on the stove in a saucepan.
Step 3: Fill the Cinnamon Rolls
Using a slotted spoon, scoop out some of the apple mixture while straining excess syrup. Carefully fill each cinnamon roll cavity until it’s almost full.
Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping
In another bowl, mix together all streusel topping ingredients until they form crumbly clumps. Mound generous handfuls on top of each filled roll so that most of the tops are covered. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes. For optimal baking results, cover loosely with foil during the first five minutes and rotate your pan halfway through baking time.
Step 5: Prepare Icing
While your Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are baking, whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth. After letting the rolls cool for five to ten minutes post-baking, drizzle this icing over the tops of your delicious creations before serving or enjoying!
How to Serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these rolls are sure to impress your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
For Breakfast
- Warm with Coffee: Serve the rolls warm alongside a fresh cup of coffee for a cozy breakfast.
- With Fresh Fruit: Pair with sliced strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
As a Dessert
- Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of sweetness.
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm rolls topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
For Special Occasions
- Festive Platter: Arrange the rolls on a decorative platter and garnish with cinnamon sticks for presentation.
- Breakfast Brunch Spread: Include these rolls as part of a larger brunch spread, along with savory items like quiches or frittatas.
How to Perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Creating the perfect Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls requires attention to detail. Here are some key tips to enhance your baking experience.
- Use Fresh Apples: Choose crisp apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the cinnamon roll cavities; this ensures even baking and prevents spilling over.
- Preheat Properly: Always preheat your oven to 400 degrees to ensure even cooking from the start.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon based on your preference for warmth in flavor.
- Let Cool Slightly Before Icing: Allow the rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before drizzling icing; this helps it set better.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls pair well with several side dishes that complement their sweet flavors. Consider these options when planning your meal.
- Scrambled Eggs: Light and fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and balance the sweetness of the rolls.
- Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon offers a savory contrast that enhances each bite.
- Yogurt Parfait: A yogurt parfait with granola and berries provides freshness and crunch.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds brightness and acidity, enhancing the overall meal.
- Sausage Links: Savory sausage links contribute heartiness, making it a satisfying breakfast option.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns introduce texture and pair nicely with sweet flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the final product.
- Using the wrong type of apples: Different apples provide varying levels of sweetness and texture. Stick with a mix like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- Overfilling the rolls: It’s tempting to pack in more apple filling, but overfilling can lead to messy rolls. Fill them just to the top of the muffin tin to ensure they bake evenly.
- Not greasing properly: Failing to grease the muffin tin can cause your rolls to stick. Generously butter each cup to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Skipping the streusel topping: This step adds a delightful crunch and flavor. Don’t skip it! Mix it well until you get crumbly pieces and cover most of the apple filling.
- Neglecting cooling time: Allowing your rolls to cool for a few minutes before icing is crucial. If you ice them while hot, the glaze will melt away instead of drizzling nicely.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing.
Freezing Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.
- Label with dates for easy tracking.
Reheating Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual rolls on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds. Check for warmth and continue if necessary.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the rolls ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What can I substitute for brown sugar in this recipe?
You can use granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses or even coconut sugar as an alternative while maintaining similar flavors.
How do I adjust the sweetness of my Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls?
Feel free to add more or less brown sugar according to your taste preference when mixing with the apple filling.
Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Using store-bought cinnamon rolls saves time. Just follow the assembly instructions with your favorite brand.
How do I ensure my Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls come out fluffy?
Make sure not to overwork your dough when pressing it into the muffin tin, as this can lead to denser rolls.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or changing spices based on your preference. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or saved for later, these sweet treats are sure to please any crowd. Don’t hesitate—try making these delightful rolls today!
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls are a heavenly combination of two classic desserts, merging the rich flavors of apple pie with the soft, fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite. With a mix of sweet Honeycrisp and tart Granny Smith apples enveloped in buttery cinnamon goodness, they are not only easy to make but also delightful to share at gatherings. Enjoy them warm drizzled with icing or as part of a cozy brunch spread; their versatility is unmatched!
Ingredients
- 2 packs Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls (10 total)
- 4 large apples (2 Honeycrisp and 2 Granny Smith)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 5 tbsp butter (for streusel topping)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a muffin tin.
- Press each cinnamon roll into muffin cups, creating space for filling.
- Prepare the apple filling by mixing sliced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, melted butter, and cornstarch. Microwave until thickened.
- Fill each cinnamon roll cavity with the apple mixture using a slotted spoon.
- Mix streusel ingredients together and mound on top of each roll.
- Bake for about 15 minutes; cover loosely with foil for even baking.
- While baking, whisk together icing ingredients until smooth and drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (80g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating nuts into the filling or adjusting spices according to preference. Use fresh apples for optimal taste and texture.