Heavenly Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Heavenly Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: Cozy Breakfast Magic

Warm, gooey apple pie cinnamon rolls weave together the most comforting flavors of fall in one irresistible breakfast treat.

Soft dough swirls with caramelized apples and rich cinnamon create a mouthwatering sensation that feels like a cozy morning hug.

Fragrant spices dance through each delicate layer, promising a decadent start to your day.

The kitchen fills with an aroma so tempting, everyone will gather around the table eager to devour these delightful pastries.

Buttery, flaky, and packed with sweet apple goodness, these rolls transform a simple morning into a celebration of seasonal warmth.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender dough and spiced fruit filling that melts in your mouth.

Let’s find out this delectable recipe and let the magic of homemade comfort unfold.

Ingredients That Make Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls Work

For Cinnamon Rolls Base:
  • Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls: Pre-made dough that saves time and ensures consistent texture, choose the larger 5-count pack for best results.
  • Butter: Helps prevent sticking and adds rich flavor when greasing the muffin tin.
For Apple Pie Filling:
  • Honeycrisp Apples: Sweet and crisp variety that holds shape well during baking, select firm and bright-colored fruits.
  • Granny Smith Apples: Tart apples that provide balanced flavor and slight tartness, look for smooth, vibrant green skin.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create rich sauce for filling.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances apple flavor and provides classic pie taste.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds subtle brightness to filling.
  • Melted Butter: Provides richness and helps bind filling ingredients together.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens apple filling, creating smooth and cohesive texture.
For Streusel and Icing Topping:
  • Butter: Creates tender, crumbly streusel and smooth, rich icing.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for streusel topping.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel notes to streusel.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Enhances streusel flavor with warm spice.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet icing base.
  • Milk: Helps adjust icing consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to icing.

What You’ll Need to Make Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls

  • Muffin Tin: Essential for shaping and baking the cinnamon rolls perfectly.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: Helps soften and create a syrupy apple filling quickly.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for thinly slicing apples with precision.
  • Mixing Bowls: One for apple filling, another for streusel topping.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Whisk or Fork: Useful for mixing streusel and icing ingredients.
  • Foil: Used to prevent over-browning during initial baking.
  • Spoon: Perfect for filling cinnamon rolls and drizzling icing.

Instructions for Apple-Filled Cinnamon Goodness

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a toasty temperature and lightly coating muffin tin with a buttery layer.

  • Cinnamon Roll Placement

Gently press each soft cinnamon roll into the muffin cups, carefully stretching the dough to create cozy pockets for the delicious apple filling.

  • Apple Mixture Creation

Combine thinly sliced apples with a sweet and spicy blend, warming them in the microwave until they become tender and develop a luscious syrupy consistency.

  • Filling the Rolls

Lovingly spoon the fragrant apple mixture into each cinnamon roll’s waiting cavity, ensuring every bite will be bursting with flavor.

  • Streusel Topping

Craft a crumbly, golden streusel that will crown your rolls with a delightful crunchy texture.

  • Baking Magic

Slide the prepared rolls into the preheated oven, letting them bake to golden perfection. Cover with a foil shield for the first few minutes to prevent over-browning.

  • Final Touch

Drizzle a silky smooth icing over the warm rolls, creating a sweet finale that will make mouths water.

Tricks That Bring These Rolls to Life

  • Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture that holds up beautifully during baking.
  • Prep the apple filling and streusel topping a day ahead to save time and let flavors develop even more intensely.
  • Experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to give the apple filling a personalized twist that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for an extra layer of delightful texture and rich, earthy flavor.

Serving Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls at Their Best

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these delightful rolls with a steaming mug of hot coffee or creamy chai tea for a perfect morning treat that warms both hands and heart.
  • Dessert Transformation: Serve these apple pie rolls as a stunning after-dinner dessert, garnished with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that melts deliciously over the warm pastry.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Create an impressive brunch spread by arranging these rolls on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra elegance.
  • Family Sharing Style: Present the rolls on a large platter in the center of the table, encouraging everyone to grab and enjoy these gooey, apple-filled delights together with lots of laughter and joy.

Save and Reheat These Rolls Without Fuss

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful apple pie stuffed cinnamon rolls in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cool environment helps maintain their soft texture and prevents rapid spoilage.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the rolls a day before baking and keep them covered in the refrigerator overnight. This technique allows flavors to meld beautifully and saves precious morning prep time.
  • Freezing Friendly: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These treats can stay frozen for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in the oven before serving.
  • Quick Reheat Technique: Restore the rolls' fresh-from-the-oven warmth by microwaving for 15-20 seconds or placing in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. A quick zap brings back that just-baked softness and enhances the cinnamon and apple aromas.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 340 kcal

Servings: 11

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Heavenly Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Heavenly Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Homemade apple pie cinnamon rolls blend classic dessert flavors into a comforting breakfast treat. Warm spices and sweet apple filling create a delightful pastry you’ll crave with morning coffee.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 packs Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls (5 count)
  • 4 large apples (2 honeycrisp and 2 granny Smith)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsps milk
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • 2 tbsps lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  • 3 tbsps water
  • 5 tbsps butter (partially melted)
  • Butter for greasing muffin tin

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and thoroughly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with unsalted butter for seamless release.
  2. Dough Formation: Unfurl each cinnamon roll and carefully press into muffin cups, allowing dough to climb sides and create a deep reservoir for filling.
  3. Apple Preparation: Thinly slice apples into delicate half-moons, then combine with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a microwave-safe bowl.
  4. Filling Creation: Microwave apple mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway, until apples transform into tender, caramelized compote with glossy syrup.
  5. Assembly: Distribute the aromatic apple filling into each cinnamon roll cavity, ensuring even distribution without overflowing.
  6. Streusel Topping: Blend flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter cubes with fingertips to craft a rustic, crumbly streusel texture.
  7. Topping Application: Lavishly scatter streusel over apple-filled rolls, creating a complete golden-brown crunchy layer.
  8. Baking Process: Place in preheated oven, initially covering with foil for 5 minutes to prevent excessive browning, then bake uncovered for remaining time.
  9. Finishing Touch: Craft a silky icing by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
  10. Serving: Allow rolls to cool briefly, then generously drizzle with prepared icing and serve while warm for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking Strategy: Generously butter the muffin tin to ensure easy removal and beautiful presentation of each roll.
  • Apple Prep Precision: Slice apples uniformly thin to guarantee even cooking and consistent caramelization throughout the filling.
  • Microwave Magic: Heat apple mixture carefully to develop rich, glossy syrup without turning fruit mushy, stirring midway for perfect texture.
  • Streusel Success: Use cold butter and fingertips to create coarse crumbs, ensuring a crispy, crumbly topping that adds delightful texture to the rolls.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star