Homemade Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 0.75 cup milk (warmed to 110F)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 2.5 tsp active dry yeast
• 0.5 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (room temp)
• 0.5 cup salted butter (very softened (almost melted))
• 2 eggs (room temp)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4.5 cup bread flour (sub: AP flour)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup salted butter (softened)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (for pouring over the rolls)
• 4 tbsp salted butter
• 3 apples (medium (or 4 small), peeled & diced small)
• 0.5 cup light brown sugar
• 4 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp apple pie spice (optional)
• salt (large pinch)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry)
• 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese (1 block, softened)
• 0.25 cup salted butter (softened)
• 1.75 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps

1. 1

   In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 4 tbsp butter, diced apples, 1/2 cup brown sugar, maple syrup, 2 tsp cinnamon, apple pie spice, and a large pinch of salt.

2. 2

   Cook the apple mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften, which should take about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water to create a slurry.

4. 4

   Pour the slurry into the saucepan with the apples, stir, and continue to cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Set aside to cool completely.

5. 5

   Activate the yeast by pouring 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F) into a small bowl. Add 1 tbsp of the granulated sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Stir and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.

6. 6

   In a large bowl, whisk together 4 1/2 cups bread flour and 1 tsp salt. Set aside.

7. 7

   Once the yeast is activated, pour the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the remaining granulated sugar, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), 1/2 cup softened butter, eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, and the flour/salt mixture.

8. 8

   Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed for 1 minute until barely combined. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.

9. 9

   Mix on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add 1 tbsp of flour at a time until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl (up to 3 tbsp).

10. 10

    Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm environment for 30-45 minutes.

11. 11

    Prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp vanilla until well combined.

12. 12

    Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter. Generously flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it.

13. 13

    Roll the dough out into a rectangle: 16x15 inches for 8 large rolls, or 24x15 inches for 12 smaller rolls.

14. 14

    Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a very small border. Dollop the cooled apple pie filling on top and spread into an even layer, pressing the apples slightly into the cinnamon filling.

15. 15

    Starting from the long end, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 8 or 12 rolls (about 2 inches wide) using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

16. 16

    Place the rolls into the prepared baking pan. Cover and allow to proof for 25-30 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

17. 17

    Warm 1/2 cup heavy cream in the microwave for 15 seconds, then pour it all over the proofed rolls.

18. 18

    For 12 rolls: Bake at 350°F for 22-25 minutes. Then, increase the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for another 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.

19. 19

    While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting by beating 8oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla in a large bowl until smooth.

20. 20

    Remove the rolls from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top.

Notes

If the dough is too sticky during the kneading process, you can add up to 3 extra tablespoons of flour. For 8 larger rolls, the initial bake time at 350F is 25-30 minutes before increasing to 375F.

Nutrition per serving

• breakfast
• dessert
• cinnamon rolls
• apple pie
• fall recipes
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• yeast bread