apple pie filled rolls

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Servings: 12 rolls
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert / Breakfast / Snack

Introduction

What happens when you combine soft, pillowy rolls with the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie? You get Apple Pie Filled Rolls—a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, packed with sweet apple filling and finished with a luscious glaze. These rolls bring together the comforting flavors of fall, making them ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday brunch.

They taste like a slice of homemade apple pie… wrapped in a cinnamon roll. And the best part? They’re easier to make than you think—especially if you use pre-made dough.

Ingredients

For the Dough (you can use homemade or store-bought)

Option 1: Homemade Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• ¾ tsp salt

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

OR Option 2: Shortcut

• 1 package store-bought crescent dough sheet or refrigerated pizza dough

• OR 1 pack of premade cinnamon roll dough (for super quick prep)

For the Apple Pie Filling

• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, diced

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended)

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tsp milk or cream

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Rolling pin

• Saucepan

• Mixing bowls

• Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)

• Sharp knife or bench scraper

• Pastry brush (optional)

• Whisk or fork

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Apple Pie Filling

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt.

3. Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes, until apples are soft but not mushy.

4. Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir it into the apple mixture.

5. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until thickened.

6. Remove from heat and let it cool while you prepare the dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

If using homemade dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

2. Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir to combine.

3. Add flour one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.

If using pre-made dough:

• Simply roll out your dough into a rectangle (about 12×9 inches) and move to Step 3.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll dough into a large rectangle about 12×9 inches (roughly ¼ inch thick).

2. Spread softened butter over the surface of the dough.

3. Sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

4. Evenly spread the cooled apple pie filling over the dough.

5. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.

6. Slice into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or bench scraper.

7. Place rolls into a greased baking dish, cut side up.

Step 4: Second Rise (if using homemade dough)

• Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes while you preheat the oven.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.

3. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

2. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls are best served warm, fresh from the oven. Pair them with:

• A cup of coffee or chai tea

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream (if serving as dessert)

• Whipped cream or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence

They’re perfect for:

• Sunday brunch

• Thanksgiving breakfast

• Holiday potlucks

• A cozy treat on a rainy day

Tips for Success

• Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp or Fuji give a juicier, sweeter result.

• Don’t overfill: Too much apple filling can make the rolls soggy and hard to slice. Spread evenly and don’t pile it high.

• To make ahead: Assemble rolls the night before and refrigerate. Let them come to room temp in the morning, then bake.

• Freeze before baking: You can freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping. Let them thaw and rise before baking.

Variations

• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for crunch.

• Salted caramel rolls: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze.

• Mini apple rolls: Make smaller rolls using crescent dough—perfect bite-size snacks.

• Spiced glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for extra warmth.

Nutritional Information (Per Roll, Approximate)

Note: Nutrition varies based on dough choice and toppings.

Storage and Reheating

• Store: In an airtight container at room temp for 1 day, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

• Freeze: Baked rolls (without glaze) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat, then glaze before serving.

Conclusion

These Apple Pie Filled Rolls are like a hug in food form—sweet, warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Whether you make them completely from scratch or take a few shortcuts, they’ll fill your kitchen with the scent of apples and cinnamon and your table with smiles.