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For the dough, gather these simple items: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup whole milk, warmed - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs Next, we need the apple filling. Use: - 3 large apples, peeled and diced (I like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 tablespoon cornstarch Finally, for the topping, you will need: - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 tablespoons milk These ingredients create a warm, sweet treat that is a perfect blend of flavors. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the filling offers a tart apple taste with a hint of spice. The topping adds a creamy finish that ties it all together. To start, grab a large bowl. Pour in 1 cup of warmed milk and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Add 1/2 cup of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes. This step wakes up the yeast. In another bowl, mix 4 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this mixture to the yeast bowl. Then, add 2 large eggs. Stir until a dough forms. Now, dust a flat surface with flour. Place the dough on it. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for 1 hour. It should double in size. While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Take 3 large apples, peel, and dice them. In a medium bowl, mix the apples with 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir well and set aside. Once your dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread softened butter over the dough. Use about 1/4 cup. Next, sprinkle the apple mixture on top of the buttered dough. Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. They should be golden brown when done. While the rolls bake, mix 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Stir until it's smooth and creamy. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen! You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. After kneading, it should stretch without tearing. If it feels sticky, add a little flour. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This takes about one hour. A perfect dough will feel soft and spring back when you poke it. I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These apples are tart and hold their shape well when baked. You can also mix in some Fuji apples for added sweetness. Avoid soft apples like McIntosh, as they may turn mushy. Serve the rolls warm on a large platter. Drizzle the creamy topping over each roll right before serving. For a fun touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few fresh apple slices. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. These rolls are perfect for brunch or a cozy dessert! {{image_2}} You can add a nice crunch by mixing in nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans work great. They add flavor and texture. You can also add raisins for a sweet twist. Just sprinkle a half cup of nuts or raisins on the apple filling before rolling. This makes each bite even more exciting. Feel free to switch up the spices! Instead of just cinnamon and nutmeg, try adding ginger or allspice. These spices can give your rolls a warm, cozy flavor. If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This will surprise your taste buds in a fun way. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Many brands work well for baking. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package. You might need to add a bit more liquid to the dough. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty rolls! To keep your apple pie cinnamon rolls fresh, place them in an airtight container. Let the rolls cool down to room temperature first. If you do not have a container, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, move them to the fridge. They can last up to one week in the fridge. To freeze these tasty rolls, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap each roll in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Mark the date on the bag. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat your rolls, you have a few options. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, heat each roll for 15-20 seconds until warm. Just be careful not to overheat, or they may become tough. Enjoy these rolls warm for the best taste! Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After you knead it, place it in a greased bowl. Cover it and store it in the fridge. It can stay there for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. This will help it rise again. To reduce the sweetness, cut back on the sugar in the filling. You can also skip the glaze on top. If you want a more balanced flavor, add a pinch of salt to the filling. This will enhance the taste of the apples without adding more sugar. If you need an egg substitute, use unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. For each egg, replace it with 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana. You can also use flaxseed meal mixed with water. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. Yes, adding cream cheese can make your rolls extra creamy and rich. Mix softened cream cheese with the apple filling. Use about 4 ounces of cream cheese for a nice, creamy texture. It adds a new layer of flavor that pairs well with the apples and spices. This blog post covered all you need to know about apple pie cinnamon rolls. We explored the key ingredients for the dough, filling, and topping. I provided step-by-step instructions to guide you in making them perfectly. You now have tips on the best apples and how to store leftovers. Incorporating variations adds fun to your recipe, so feel free to try them. Making these rolls can create happy moments in your kitchen. Enjoy baking and sharing your tasty creations with others!

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the deliciousness of Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with this easy recipe! These soft, sweet rolls combine the classic flavors of apple pie with fluffy cinnamon rolls, perfect for any occasion. Learn how to make these heavenly treats step-by-step, from preparing the dough to glazing them for a delightful finish. Click to explore the full recipe and delight your taste buds with this scrumptious dessert!
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Ingredients
  

For the dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk, warmed

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

For the apple filling:

3 large apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the cinnamon roll topping:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, followed by the eggs. Mix until a dough forms.

      Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

        Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.

          Roll the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick.

            Create Cinnamon Rolls: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Then, sprinkle the apple mixture over the buttered dough. Starting from one end, tightly roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.

              Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

                Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

                  Prepare Topping: While the rolls are baking, mix the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.

                    Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 1 hour 30 minutes | 2 hours | 12 servings

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a large platter and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few apple slices for a lovely autumn touch.