Name: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Gooey & Bakery-Style)
Ingredients: 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup warm milk; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 2 cups apples, peeled and finely diced; ¼ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon butter; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients

Scale

Cinnamon Roll Dough

3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

Apple Pie Filling

2 cups apples, peeled and finely diced
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon butter

Cinnamon Sugar Layer

½ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Icing

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling

In a small saucepan, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until apples are tender and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.

Step 4: Add Filling and Roll

Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the buttered dough. Spoon cooled apple pie filling evenly across the surface. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

Slice into 12 equal rolls and place into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Notes

Cool apple filling completely before spreading to prevent soggy dough.
Do not overfill or the rolls may unravel.
Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast.

Rolls are done when centers reach 190°F (88°C).