Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

When it comes to holiday baking, nothing beats the comforting aroma of cinnamon, warm apples, and freshly baked dough filling your home. These Apple Pie Cinnamon rolls with a cozy Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting are a festive twist on a classic treat. Imagine all the cozy flavors of apple pie wrapped in soft fluffy cinnamon roll dough, topped with a rich slightly boozy frosting that ties it all together. These rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you're serving them for brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat.

Why you'll love this recipe

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. The star of the show is the homemade apple pie filling, bursting with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. For an extra layer of indulgence, you can include the classic cinnamon roll filling - a buttery, brown sugar and cinnamon mixture that melts into the dough as it bakes.

Do you need both? Not necessarily! If you're looking for something simpler or want the apples to take center stage, you can skip the cinnamon filling entirely and just use the apple pie filling. But let me tell you, combining the two creates a flavor explosion you won't want to miss. The buttery cinnamon filling elevates the rolls with just the right amount of sweetness, perfectly complementing the tart, spiced apples.

And let's not forget the frosting! The bourbon cream cheese frosting adds a grown-up twist, balancing tangy cream cheese with the warmth of bourbon for a finish that feels luxurious and festive.

Perfect pairings: Serve these rolls with a hot cup of coffee, mulled cider, or even a spiked eggnog for the ultimate holiday vibe. The rich flavors of the bourbon frosting pair wonderfully with warm, festive drinks.

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Tips for making the perfect rolls

1. Make the dough your canvas: The dough is soft and pillowy, providing the perfect base for your fillings. Be sure to let it rise fully - it's worth the wait for that perfect texture.

2. Customize your filling: Want more apple flavor? Skip the cinnamon filling and double the apple pie filling for an extra fruity burst. Love rich buttery flavors? Keep both fillings and enjoy the decadent contrast.

3. Bourbon-free option: If bourbon isn't your thing, you can omit it from the frosting or replace it with a splash of vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic alternative.

4. Prep ahead: These rolls can be prepped the night before. After rolling, cutting, and placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

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Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Yield: 12 rolls

Serving size: 1 roll

Ingredients (for the dough):

• 1 cup warm milk

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 unsalted butter (softened)

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp salt

• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the apple pie filling:

• 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and diced)

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp water

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cinnamon filling: (optional)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the bourbon cream cheese frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp bourbon

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add softened butter, egg, salt, and 3½ cups flour. Mix until the dough comes together.

3. Knead for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir to combine.

6. Add water and cook until apples are soft and the mixture is thickened. (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool.

7. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 18x12 inches on a floured surface.

8. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Mix brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling and sprinkle it over the buttered dough. Skip this part if you are omitting the cinnamon filling & are only using the apple pie filling.

9. Spread the cooled apple pie filling on top. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls. Using a string or unflavored dental floss is best so as not to flatten the rolls when cutting with a knife.

10. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

11. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

12. To make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and bourbon until smooth.

13. Spread the bourbon cream cheese frosting over slightly warm rolls. Serve immediately.

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Nutrition information per serving:

Calories: 420

Fat: 15g

Carbs: 58g

Protein: 5g

Weight Watchers points:

18 points per roll