Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Roll Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup warm whole milk
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Apple Pie Filling

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice, optional
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Pinch of salt

For the Apple Pie Filling

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Apple Pie Filling

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast

1. Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the granulated sugar and yeast. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for approximately 5–10 minutes .
3. The yeast should become slightly foamy. This is a good indication that it is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Add the melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt.
2. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, about ½ cup at a time, mixing after each addition.
4. When the dough begins to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

1. Knead the dough for approximately 7–10 minutes .
2. The finished dough should be:
3. Soft
4. Smooth
5. Elastic
6. Slightly tacky but not excessively sticky
7. If the dough is extremely sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time . Avoid adding too much flour because this can make the finished rolls heavy.

Notes

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days. To serve, gently warm an individual roll until soft and heated through. You can also prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking, then allow them to come toward room temperature and finish their rise before baking. Make-ahead approaches are commonly used for cinnamon-roll recipes.