Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

During colder days, nothing beats these Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling - fluffy, warm and drizzled with a heavenly cream cheese glaze!

As days start to get colder, cinnamon rolls and apple pies are two of my favourite go-to's, be it as breakfast, dessert, or tea-time treats. I especially love the aromas with which their ingredients fill up the kitchen, leaving a room full of true cozy fall and winter feelings. These Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling combine two of my favourites; cinnamon rolls and apple pie!

These cinnamon rolls are filled with spiced apple pie filling made with finely diced Granny Smith apples and walnuts/pecans, and are then baked, and drizzled with a simple cream cheese glaze. These bakery-style rolls are soft and fluffy, with a juicy filling and make a perfect warm treat, especially when they're fresh out of the oven!

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• Ingredients and Variations
• How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
• FAQs
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• Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

Ingredients and Variations

This cinnamon roll-apple pie filling recipe is split into three parts: the dough, the filling, and the glaze.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Dough

Flour - Ideally, use bread flour. You'll need a bit more than 4 cups here, but make sure you'll have some extra flour at hand too. Ideally, weigh the flour using digital kitchen scales for accuracy.

Yeast -  For this recipe, I used instant dry yeast, which does not need to be proofed. You can also use active dry yeast, but make sure to proof this in warm milk for 5-10 minutes before adding to the rest of ingredients.

Milk - You can use semi-skimmed or whole milk for these cinnamon rolls. You'll need to warm the milk before using.

Butter - Unsalted melted butter works perfectly here.

Eggs - For binding the dough. You will need 2 medium-sized eggs.

Sugar - For the dough, you will need regular granulated sugar.

Salt - Just a pinch for flavor.

Ingredients for Base Filling

For the base cinnamon roll filling (which is what is used in regular cinnamon rolls), you will need melted unsalted butter to brush the dough.

You will also need brown sugar and ground cinnamon, which will be sprinkled over the brushed dough.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Filling

Apples - You will need 4-5 Granny Smith apples, but other baking apples, such as green apples, Gala, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples. You will need to peel, core, and thinly dice the apples.

Spices - For this apple pie filling, I used ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Of course, except for the cinnamon, you can adjust these spices or eliminate them according to your liking.

Walnuts/Pecans - These are optional, but you can add a handful of crushed walnuts or pecans for an added crunch. Other options include raisins or sultanas.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Glaze

For the optional cream cheese glaze, you will need good quality cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and semi-skimmed or whole milk.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling

1. Make and Proof the Dough
   To make the dough, mix warm milk, yeast, eggs, melted butter and salt until well combined.
   Add sifted flour and salt and mix using a spatula until a dough is formed.
   Knead the dough using the bread hook attachment of a stand mixer. The dough should be slightly sticky but should not stick to the bowl. (You may need to add more flour as needed).
   Proof dough in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
   
2. Prepare the Fillings
   To make the base filling, melt the butter and set aside. Combine brown sugar with cinnamon.
   To make the apple pie filling, peel, core, and thinly dice the apples. Simmer apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves, and walnuts/pecans in a medium saucepan until softened.
   Drain liquid from apple pie filling and cool in a glass bowl before using.
   
3. Roll out and Add Filling
   Once doubled in size, roll out the dough into a rectangle (24x12") on a lightly floured surface.
   Brush dough with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-brown sugar mixture.
   Spread apple pie filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
   Roll the dough (from short side to short side) tightly. Slice out 12 rolls (approx. 1" in thickness).
   
4. Proof the Rolls
   Transfer rolls onto a baking sheet (9x13") lined with parchment paper.
   Cover and allow to rest for 20-30 minutes and preheat oven to 175°C (350F).
   
5. Bake
   Bake for 14-18 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
   Bring out of oven and allow to cool slightly.
   
6. Glaze
   To make the glaze, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream and milk in a medium sized bowl until a desired consistency is reached.
   If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more cream cheese. If you want a thinner glaze, add more milk. Drizzle over cinnamon rolls and serve!

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