Apple Pie Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect combination of soft, tender cinnamon buns and sweet, caramelized apple pie filling. The apples are cooked with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, giving them a rich, comforting flavor. Once baked, the rolls are topped with a smooth glaze, making them a wonderful treat for breakfast or dessert. Whether you're hosting a brunch or looking for a cozy weekend treat, these rolls are sure to satisfy your cravings for both cinnamon rolls and apple pie.
INGREDIENTS- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: 1 can, comes with icing included
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): 3 medium, peeled and diced, for the filling
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp, for sautéing the apples
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp, adds sweetness to the apple filling
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp, enhances the warm flavor of the apples
- Ground nutmeg: ¼ tsp, adds a subtle spice to the filling
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp, helps balance the sweetness of the filling
- Powdered sugar: ½ cup, for making the homemade glaze
- Milk: 1 tbsp, thins the glaze for easy drizzling
- Vanilla extract: ¼ tsp, adds flavor to the glaze
- Step 1:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir frequently and cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are softened and caramelized. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Step 2:
- Preheat the oven according to the cinnamon roll package instructions. Grease a baking dish.
- Step 3:
- Unroll the cinnamon rolls slightly, spread a portion of the apple filling on each one, then roll them back up. Place the rolls into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 4:
- Bake according to the package instructions, typically 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Step 5:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary.
- Step 6:
- Once the rolls are done and slightly cooled, drizzle them with the icing from the package or the homemade glaze.
- Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- The apple filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans over the apple filling before rolling up the dough.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk in the recipe or add extra powdered sugar.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Suggestion: For an even richer flavor, add a teaspoon of maple syrup to the apple filling while cooking.
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of the canned version?
Yes, you can substitute homemade cinnamon roll dough for an even fresher taste, but it will require more time and preparation.
Can I use other fruits in place of apples?
Pears or peaches would also work well as a filling, but you may need to adjust the cooking time for the filling based on the fruit’s softness.